Lathe CNC Machinist III​/Senior - B Shift

Lathe CNC Machinist III / Senior - B Shift

Long Beach, CA

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Base out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California the Lathe CNC Machinist III / Senior will maintain, set up and operate the CNC machines to build flight‑ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specification at the needed rate.

• Work with CNC lathe and mill machines
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models
• Provide feedback to improve work instructions
• Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances
• Work to reduce any non‑conformances found by quality or engineering.
• Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection etc.
• Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area.

• 5+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and y‑axis
• Demonstrated ability using Lathes:
  Dual Spindle (Live Tooling)
• Demonstrated ability using precision measuring tools (bore gauge, micrometer, calipers.)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T

• 8+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and y‑axis
• Demonstrated ability using Lathes:
  Dual Spindle (Live Tooling)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T.

• CNC programming experience – NX Programming
• Experience in an Aerospace Manufacturing Environment
• 5‑axis CNC operation and setup
• Knowledge of using CELOS software on DMG machines.
• Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls
• Experience using bar feeders
• Manual Programming

• Willing to work B Shift (Monday – Thursday 3:15 pm – 1:45 am)
• Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on production floor
• Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$35 - $50 USD

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include:
Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at