CNC Machinist- All Levels

CNC Machinist
- All Levels

Middle River, MD

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, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex facility in Middle River, Maryland. The Master CNC Machinist will maintain, set up program and operate the CNC machines to build flight-ready hardware that meet Rocket Lab specification at the needed rate.

Space Structures Complex is hiring for multiple shift schedules.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Work with large CNC machines to produce carbon fiber components for our Neutron rocket.
• Use Mastercam to program safe and efficient toolpaths
• Machine a range of tooling materials to produce large composite molds and tools to support production
• Design and manufacture fixtures and tooling to enable machining of components
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes
• Be responsible for sourcing and testing new tooling solutions to improve productivity
• Provide feedback to Engineering to improve manufacturability
• Work to identify and reduce any non-conformances
• Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection etc
• Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A CNC Machinist II:

• HS Diploma and 2+ years of CNC Milling experience
• Experience programming and operating a 3 Axis CNC or Router
• Basic knowledge of GD&T
• Ability to read and interpreting technical drawings

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A CNC Machinist III:

• HS Diploma and 5+ years of CNC Milling experience
• Experience programming and operating a 5 Axis CNC
• In depth knowledge of GD&T
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Basic knowledge of machine workings, maintenance and calibration

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior CNC Machinist:

• HS Diploma and 8+ years of CNC Milling experience
• Experience programming and operating a 5 Axis CNC
• In depth knowledge of GD&T
• Ability to read and interpreting technical drawings
• Strong knowledge of machine workings, maintenance and calibration.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Experience in an Aerospace Manufacturing Environment
• Experience running CMS CNC machines (Poseidon, Ares) or similar large 5 axis gantry style machines.
• Experience operating machines that have a Fanuc control
• Experience with CAD design preferably NX or Mastercam
• Experience working with composite materials (Carbon fiber/fiberglass)
• Manual Programming (understand and diagnose g-code)

Additional Requirements:

• 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,…