Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Inspector - Mechanical

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Auckland, NZ is seeking an Incoming Quality Control Inspector - Mechanical to join the manufacturing team. You will verify hardware on arrival against drawings, PO and paperwork, and release or quarantine as required, supporting a fast-paced space hardware production environment.

You will perform precision inspections with hand tools and CMMs, document non-conformances, and work with Engineering to improve instructions and inspection points while coordinating with

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a quality assurance or inspection role in a mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, etc.).
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and ability to read engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Inspect a wide range of hardware against drawings, specifications and PO requirements.
• Carry out precision inspections at receiving, in-process and final assembly stages using hand tools and CMMs.
• Document non-conformances clearly in ERP/MES and issue-tracking systems.
• Collaborate with Engineering to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points.
• Coordinate with Production to prioritise workload and meet milestones without compromising quality.
• Adhere to Built-In Quality mindset and prevent defects from reaching downstream teams.

Skills

Quality assurance

Inspection

GD&T

Reading drawings

MS Office

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Depth gauges

Feeler gauges

Thread gauges

Surface roughness testers

Inspection microscope

CMMs

Job description

Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Inspector - Mechanical

Auckland, NZ

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.

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. 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!

As an Incoming Quality Control Inspector - Mechanical, you're the gate between our suppliers and our production floor. When hardware arrives, whether it's a machined manifold, a 3D-printed injector, or a batch of fasteners, you verify that it matches the drawing, the purchase order, and the paperwork before it goes anywhere near an engine or stage.

If it's right, you release it. If it's not, you quarantine it, write it up, and make sure it doesn't come back the same way twice

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Inspect a wide range of hardware, including purchased parts, 3D-printed components, CNC-machined parts, and electro-mechanical assemblies, against drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements.
• Carry out precision inspections at every stage, from receiving through in-process to final assembly, using hand measuring tools and CMMs.
• Document non-conformances clearly and accuratelyin our ERP, MES, and issue-tracking systems, following Rocket Lab procedures, so issues can be resolved quickly and traced to root cause.
• Work with Engineering and managementto improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the build process.
• Coordinate with Productionto prioritise inspection workload and help the team hit key delivery milestones without compromising quality.
• Live a Built-In Quality mindset(Don't accept a defect. Don't pass a defect.) by catching non-conformances early and stopping them from reaching downstream teams or customers.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years in a quality assurance or inspection rolein a mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with precision measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, surface roughness testers, and inspection microscopes.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)and confidence reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office(Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with strong attention to detail and a genuine willingness to learn.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in a space manufacturing environment, particularly in-process inspection on engine builds.
• Experience with advanced measuring equipment, such as optical comparators, Romer arms, and CMMs (Aberlink or PC-DMIS).
• Visual inspection experience using borescopeson internal features and passages.
• Inspection experience with aerospace components and assemblies.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Shift:Able to work Monday to Thursday, 3:00 pm – 1:30 am.
• Vision:Good close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus on fine detail for accurate visual and dimensional inspection.
• Physical:Comfortable with seated bench work, fine hand and finger tasks, and regular computer use.
• Mobility:Able to move between buildings on site.
• Communication:Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Environment:Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise. PPE is provided.

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.