Senior Incoming Quality Control Inspector

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.

Senior Incoming Control Inspector (IQC) - Mechanical

• Support critical inspection activities that ensure all incoming and in-process hardware meets the highest standards of aerospace quality.

• Perform mechanical inspections, validate drawing requirements, and ensure flight hardware requiring receiving inspection is compliant before entering production.

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and urgency are essential.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Inspect incoming flight hardware and verify compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.

• Review documentation packages and ensure all required paperwork is complete and accurate.

• Evaluate drawing requirements and initiate NCRs for any nonconformances.

• Perform mechanical inspections using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measurement tools.

• Apply GD&T principles and interpret engineering blueprints.

• Support inspection of composite components and large structures.

• Work in a fast-paced environment that may require long days and weekend support.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or equivalent inspection.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.

• Proficiency with mechanical measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.).

• Ability to inspect incoming flight hardware and review documentation packages.

• Experience evaluating drawing requirements and issuing NCRs.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with extended hours as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with CMM and laser tracker systems.

• Familiarity with Inspire and PolyWorks software.

• Experience with NDT scanning.

• Experience performing critical alignments on large structures.

• Experience working with composite materials.

Additional Requirements

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods.

• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed.

• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision.

• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed.

• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

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

• 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.