Lathe CNC Machinist III​/Senior - Shift

Lathe CNC Machinist III / Senior - A 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. We are also developing Neutron, a medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle, and our Space Systems business designs and builds a broad line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft supporting NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Lathe CNC Machinist III / Senior will maintain, set up and operate CNC machines to build flight‑ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications 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 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 experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and Y‑axis
• Demonstrated ability using lathe dual spindle (live tooling)
• Demonstrated ability using precision measuring tools (bore gauge, micrometer, calipers)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T

• 8+ years experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and Y‑axis
• Demonstrated ability using lathe 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 A Shift (Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 3:30 pm)
• 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

$35 – $50 USD

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

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 should contact Giulia Johnson at