IQC Inspector I/II
Listed on 2026-04-17
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Manufacturing / Production
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Manufacturing Engineer
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 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.
AboutThe Role
IQC Inspector I/II. Based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the IQC Inspector will be responsible for executing various aerospace inspections. You will support the Quality Inspector Supervisor and Space Systems organization. In this role, you’ll inspect mechanical and electrical components for spacecraft assemblies, operate precision tools like CMMs and micrometers, and assemble flight mechanisms using production drawings.
What You’ll Get To Do- Inspect mechanical and electrical components before use in traceable spacecraft assemblies
- Use and maintenance of Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM), calipers, micrometers, gages, comparators, hardness testers, and other common mechanical inspection tools
- Create Standard Operating Procedures for specific mechanical parts
- Communicate findings through written standardized documentation and verbal discussion
- Assemble space flight mechanisms following written production drawings and procedures
- Idea generation of potential process improvements
- Shipping and receiving components according to standard company procedures
- High school diploma or GED
- Familiarity with common manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with common aerospace inspection tools, e.g. calipers, multimeters, micrometers, gages, comparators
- Familiarity with common aerospace assembly tools, e.g. torque wrenches, force gages, load cells, scales
- 2+ years of quality inspection experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment
- High school diploma or GED
- Familiarity with common manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with common aerospace inspection tools, e.g. calipers, multimeters, micrometers, gages, comparators
- Familiarity with common aerospace assembly tools, e.g. torque wrenches, force gages, load cells, scales
- At least 8+ years engineering experience in the aerospace industry
- Ability to comply with federally mandated export control requirements
- Direct inspection or design experience with parts complying to the ASME Y14.5 standard
- Familiarity with use of CMM
- Strong technical and mechanical capability
- Familiarity with simple electrical schematics and components
- Attention to detail to verify inspected components meet specifications
- Integrity and focus to follow and execute procedures
- Familiarity with GD&T practices
- Passion for doing excellent work with mechanisms and physical assemblies
- Mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues
- Self-motivated mindset
- Effective verbal and written communication abilities
- Desire to work in a small-company environment
- Standing for long periods, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required
- Able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
- Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces
- Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle tools
- Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
- Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
Base salary range (MD Only): $17—$25 USD
What To Expect:
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. We value hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We pride ourselves on collaboration and delivering results under pressure and tight deadlines.
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 U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the provided resource. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks may include nationality checks to determine eligibility to access regulated data. For more information, see ITAR regulations.
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