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 – 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, climate‑change missions, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

The Senior Quality Inspector – NDT Technician will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and quality of components and assemblies by collaborating closely with the engineering and production teams. The role requires a highly skilled professional with at least 10years of experience in NDT and related fields.

• 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 for 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 results to determine the acceptability of materials and components.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to NDT LevelI 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 continuously improve inspection capabilities.

• 8+years of experience in mechanical assembly, 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.
• Certification as NDT LevelI in penetrant (PT) (per ASNT, NAS
  410, or equivalent).
• Certification as NDT LevelII in penetrant (PT) (per ASNT, NAS
  410, or equivalent).

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

• Ability to work the following shift: A Shift, 5:00AM – 1:30PM.
• Stand and walk for the entire shift (8+hours) on various work surfaces, climbing ladders and working at elevated height, in 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 25lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis. The base pay range (CA Only) is $33–$40

USD. Total rewards include company equity, a robust benefits package (medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 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, 401(k) with company…