Quality Inspector III - A Shift
Rocket Lab, Long Beach, CA, United States
Quality Inspector III - Mechanical
Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in
Long Beach, CA , the Quality Inspector III - Mechanical is responsible for carrying out inspections using prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect any issues related to the product that do not meet engineering and production standards. In this role you will help prevent faulty hardware from progressing in the manufacturing process, support root‑cause mitigation, and eliminate failure modes. The position provides deliverables to internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Key Responsibilities
Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D-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, using hand measurement systems and CMM.
Document non‑conformance in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in the 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 defects from escaping to downstream customers.
Qualifications
5+ 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.
Nice to Have
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.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work one of the following shifts: 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM Monday–Thursday.
Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Benefits
Company equity and robust benefits package: top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA, 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.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$27—$34 USD
EEO & Eligibility
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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.
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. For New Zealand offices, eligibility requires citizenship of permitted countries and compliance with ITAR.
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Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in
Long Beach, CA , the Quality Inspector III - Mechanical is responsible for carrying out inspections using prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect any issues related to the product that do not meet engineering and production standards. In this role you will help prevent faulty hardware from progressing in the manufacturing process, support root‑cause mitigation, and eliminate failure modes. The position provides deliverables to internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Key Responsibilities
Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D-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, using hand measurement systems and CMM.
Document non‑conformance in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in the 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 defects from escaping to downstream customers.
Qualifications
5+ 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.
Nice to Have
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.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work one of the following shifts: 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM Monday–Thursday.
Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Benefits
Company equity and robust benefits package: top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA, 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.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$27—$34 USD
EEO & Eligibility
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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.
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. For New Zealand offices, eligibility requires citizenship of permitted countries and compliance with ITAR.
#J-18808-Ljbffr