Senior Quality Inspector - NDT

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable ambitious space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and 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. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Senior Quality Inspector - NDT Technician will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and quality of components and assemblies by collaborating with engineering and production teams. This role will develop and implement processes, acceptance criteria, and standard operating procedures for non-destructive testing activities. The position requires a highly skilled professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience in NDT and related fields.

The Senior NDT Technician will lead NDT operations, develop testing techniques, and ensure compliance with industry standards in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to develop and refine NDT processes, acceptance criteria, and SOPs.
• Lead and coordinate daily activities of the NDT team, ensuring efficient inspection operations.
• Perform advanced penetrant (PT) inspections on components and assemblies to detect defects and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Develop and implement NDT inspection techniques for complex geometries and advanced materials.
• Interpret and evaluate penetrant (PT) results to determine material and component acceptability.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to NDT Level I and II technicians.
• Support research and development efforts for system qualification and certification of critical processes.
• Ensure adherence to NDT standards such as AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve NDT processes and eliminate non-conforming products.
• Maintain accurate documentation of inspection results and ensure compliance with quality management systems.
• Stay updated on advancements in NDT technology and techniques to improve inspection capabilities.

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, mechanical fitting, or NDT testing.
• Extensive experience in aviation, aerospace, or a similar industry performing NDT inspections.
• Extensive experience inspecting advanced materials such as high-strength aluminum alloys, precipitation-hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and Maraging steel.
• Strong understanding of NDT standards and codes, including AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Certifications: Certification as NDT Level I in penetrant (PT) per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards;
  Certification as NDT Level II in penetrant (PT) per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards.

• Proven experience in improving NDT processes for efficiency, productivity, and quality assurance.
• Certified in American Welding Society (AWS) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Familiarity with advanced inspection techniques for complex geometries and challenging materials.

• Ability to work one of the following shifts: A Shift 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Stand and walk for the entire shift on varied surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated heights, small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise and temperature variations
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, driven by hard work, relentless innovation, teamwork, and commitment to delivering results. Our people collaborate, support one another, and work to tight deadlines to achieve mission success.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. ITAR compliance is required.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits…