CNC Operator - C Shift

About The Role

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.

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.

About The Role

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!

CNC OPERATOR - C SHIFT

• Work with CNC Lathe and Mill machines.
• Read and translate Drawings/CAD Models.
• Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances.
• Reduce any non-conformances found by Quality or Engineering.
• Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection etc.
• Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area.

Qualifications

• As a Cnc Operator:
• 1+ years of experience with CNC operation on Lathe and/or Mills.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).

Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with G-code or CNC programming basics.
• Previous experience with CNC Mills, Lathes, or routers.
• Exposure to ISO or AS9100 quality environments.
• Ability to edit CNC programs.
• Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls.

Requirements

• Willing to work C Shift (Friday - Sunday 5:00am - 3:30pm).
• 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, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Pay

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• 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.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

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.