Senior Quality Inspector

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 and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

As a Quality Inspector III/Senior based at Rocket Lab's site in Pasadena, CA
, you will have the opportunity to support the inspection and release of purchased, machined, fabricated, and assembled hardware by ensuring it meets engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements before release to production. In this role, you will perform receiving, in‑process, first‑article, and final inspections, manage inspection priorities to support production schedules, and provide hands‑on support to manufacturing as needed. To be successful in this role, you must be detail‑oriented, organized, adaptable, and committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

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Please note:

This position can be hired as a Quality Inspector III or Senior Quality Inspector)

• Inspect precision machined parts, fabricated hardware, purchased components, and mechanical assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Program and operate CMM equipment using PC‑DMIS to inspect complex parts and verify dimensional and GD&T requirements.
• Perform receiving, in‑process, first‑article, and final inspections using CMMs and precision hand measurement equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and ASME Y14.5 GD&T requirements.
• Review supplier inspection reports, material and process certifications, and other acceptance documentation.
• Document inspection results and create accurate issue tickets, nonconformance reports…