Lathe CNC Machinist III​/Senior - B Shift

Lathe CNC Machinist III / Senior – B Shift

Maintain, set up, and operate CNC machines to build flight‑ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications at the required rate.

• Work with CNC lathe and mill machines
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models
• Provide feedback to improve work instructions
• Work with the CNC programmer to maintain tolerances
• Work to reduce any non‑conformances found by quality or engineering
• Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, and tool selection
• 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 dual‑spindle lathes (live tooling)
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (bore gauge, micrometer, calipers)
• Ability to interpret drawings, GD&T

• 8+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and Y‑axis
• Proficiency with dual‑spindle lathes (live tooling)
• Expertise in interpreting drawings, GD&T

• CNC programming experience
• NX programming
• Experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment
• 5‑axis CNC operation and setup
• Knowledge of CELOS software on DMG machines
• Experience with Siemens, Fanuc, and Celos controls
• Experience with bar feeders
• Manual programming

• Willing to work B Shift (Monday – Thursday 3:15pm – 1:45am)
• Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on the 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 25lb
• 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 salary in lieu of a range of $35–$50
  
  USD (CA only), adjusted for job‑related knowledge and skills
• Company equity and access to a robust benefits package
  • Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO and a 100% company‑sponsored 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 additional discounts

For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR and EAR, employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or otherwise eligible for the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only:
Background checks will be undertaken before any employment offers. Candidates must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or no ineligible dual citizenship.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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.