Quality Control 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.  

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 

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! 

 INCOMING QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR – MECHANICAL

Based on-site at our Warkworth, NZ facility, the Incoming Quality Control Inspector - Mechanical is responsible for carrying out inspections using, but not limited to, prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect anything related to the product that does not meet engineering/production standards. In this role you will help prevent faulty hardware from progressing in the manufacturing process and support root cause mitigation and elimination of failure modes. You will support the Quality and Production organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. 

 WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D-printed components, CNC-machined items  
• Perform detailed inspections of composite materials, components, and assemblies to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications. 
• Perform all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in process and final assembly inspections. This includes capability to effectively use hand measurement systems 
• Thoroughly 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 (Don’t accept a Defect – Don’t Pass a Defect) and preventing escapes to downstream customers. 

 YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 2+ years of experience working in a quality assurance role in a quality mechanical manufacturing environment.   
• Experience using hand measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, surface roughness measurement, microscope etc 
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and self-motivated with a willingness to learn. 

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems 
• Strong knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and inspection techniques. 
• Proficiency in using non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment. 
• Familiarity with quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar 
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles 
• Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or other industries involving composite materials. 

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Ability to work the following shift:  
  • 6:00AM - 3:00PM Monday – Friday
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing 
• Comfortable working in a Composite manufacturing environment 
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings  
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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 U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.