CNC Operator

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand is seeking a CNC Operator to manufacture parts for rockets and satellites. You will set up, adjust, and monitor CNC machines, work with Fanuc, Siemens, and Mitsubishi controls, and ensure parts meet tight specifications.

Experience with stainless steel or composite materials is advantageous. This role focuses on precision, accountability, and timely delivery in a high‑yield aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC experience in aerospace or related industries.
• Experience with stainless steel or composites is a plus.
• Ability to set up machines and monitor quality.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture parts for rockets and satellites
• Set up vice, chuck changeovers, and tool setting
• Define work coordinate systems and perform loading/measurement
• Monitor cutting conditions and apply in-process adjustments
• Inspect finished parts for conformance to specs
• Maintain CNC equipment for production readiness

Skills

3+ yrs experience

Attention to detail

Independent work

Deadline driven

Tools

Fanuc controls

Siemens controls

Mitsubishi controls

CAD Design

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

CNC Operator

Rocket Lab’s Machine Shop are responsible for the advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door.

With direct involvement in parts during design through to manufacture, we see the whole picture. Through collaboration and teamwork, we bring the designs of our engineers to life by using state of the art CNC machinery to create our hardware.

Experience in aerospace, aviation, motorsports, marine or similar industries are preferred but not essential.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Manufacture parts for rockets and satellites
• All aspects of machine setting including vice and chuck change over
• Setting work coordinate systems, tool setting, loading and measurements
• Monitoring cutting conditions & make in process adjustments
• Inspecting finished parts
• Maintenance of CNC equipment as necessary for production

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Able to demonstrate 3+ years of relevant industry experience

THESE SKILLS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• High level of workmanship
• Fanuc, Siemens, and Mitsubishi CNC controls
• CAD Design
• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping
• Ability to work independently and deliver against deadlines
• Adheres to standardized processes

If you have CNC experience working with stainless steel, composites material or similar, all applications are reviewed and considered.

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.

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 [e-mail]. 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.