Senior Quality Inspector - NDT

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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to develop and refine NDT processes, acceptance criteria, and SOPs.
• Lead and coordinate daily activities of the NDT team, ensuring efficient and effective inspection operations.
• Perform advanced penetrant (PT) inspections on components and assemblies to detect defects and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Develop and implement NDT inspection techniques for complex geometries and advanced materials.
• Interpret and evaluate penetrant (PT) results to determine the acceptability of materials and components.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to NDT Level I and II technicians.
• Support research and development efforts for system qualification and certification of critical processes.
• Ensure adherence to NDT standards such as AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve NDT processes and eliminate non-conforming products.
• Maintain accurate documentation of inspection results and ensure compliance with quality management systems.
• Stay updated on advancements in NDT technology and techniques to continuously improve inspection capabilities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, mechanical fitting, or NDT testing.
• Extensive experience in aviation, aerospace, or a similar industry performing NDT inspections.
• Extensive experience inspecting advanced materials such as high-strength aluminum alloys, precipitation-hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and Maraging steel (super alloys).
• Strong understanding of NDT standards and codes, including AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Certification as NDT Level I in penetrant (PT) (per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards).
• Certification as NDT Level II in penetrant (PT) (per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards).

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.