Quality Inspector Ii- Shift

Quality Inspector II – Mechanical

Location
:
Rocket Lab Headquarters, Long Beach, CA

• Perform complex mechanical inspections of purchased parts, 3‑D printed components, CNC‑machined items, electro‑mechanical components, and propulsion assemblies.
• Perform all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in‑process, and final assembly inspections; effectively use hand measurement systems and CMM.
• Document non‑conformance in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in our internal ERP, MES, and issue‑tracking system.
• Collaborate with engineering and management to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the process.
• Coordinate with production personnel to prioritize workload and enable the team to meet key delivery milestones.
• Embody a Built‑in‑Quality philosophy, consistently detecting non‑conformance and preventing escapes to downstream customers (Don’t accept a defect – Don’t pass a defect).

• 2+ years of experience working in a quality assurance role in a mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• High school diploma or GED.

• Experience in space manufacturing in‑process environment on engine builds.
• Experience with precision measuring equipment such as comparator, romer arm, Keyence Vision System, and/or CMMs (PC‑DMIS).
• Experience performing visual inspections using borescope.
• High level of experience using hand measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, pine gauges, thread gauges, surface roughness measurement, microscope, etc.
• Inspection experience with aerospace components & assemblies.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Thursday
• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods.
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed.
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision.
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed.
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $24–$30 USD per hour.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits package includes: 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.

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 permanent resident, refugee or asylum seeker, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks will be undertaken prior to any offer, and you must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.

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  This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from applying/interviewing. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered.