CMM Programmer III

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a CMM Programmer III to perform complex mechanical inspections on purchased parts, 3D-printed components, CNC-machined items, electro-mechanical assemblies, and propulsion hardware.

You will use PC-DMIS to program and operate a CMM, employ hand measuring tools and microscopes, and document non-conformances in Rocket Lab systems, helping maintain the highest quality standards across production and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Precise inspection and quality control in manufacturing.
• Strong attention to detail and clear communication.
• Ability to solve problems and guide decisions to improve quality processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex mechanical inspections for parts and assemblies.
• Use PC‑DMIS and hand tools to perform precision measurements.
• Document non-conformances in Rocket Lab systems and processes.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve work instructions and identification of critical inspection points.
• Coordinate with Production to meet delivery milestones.
• Support Built in Quality philosophy to prevent defects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Tools

PC-DMIS

CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)

Microscopes

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

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.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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!

CMM PROGRAMMER III

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the CMM Programmer III (PC-DMIS) is responsible for carrying out inspections using, but not limited to, prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail to detect anything related to the product that does not meet engineering/production standards. In addition to inspecting, an ability to steer and guide decisions to bring the quality process to the highest standard possible is required, this includes problem solving capability and clear communication skills.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D-printed components, CNC-machined items, electro-mechanical components, and propulsion assemblies.
• Perform all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in process and final assembly inspections. This includes capability to effectively use hand measurement tools, Microscopes and CMM's.
• Thoroughly document non-conformances in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in our internal ERP, MES and Issue tracking system.
• Collaborate with engineering and management to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the process.
• Coordinate with Production personnel to prioritize workload and enable the team to meet key delivery milestones.
• Embody a Built in Quality philosophy, consistently detecting non-conformances (Don't accept a Defect - Don't Pass a Defect) and preventing escapes to downstream customers.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A CMM PROGRAMMER III

• 5+ years of experience in a quality manufacturing environment.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) experience.
• Ability to program and operate a CMM using PC-DMIS software
• High level of experience using hand measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, pine gauges, thread gauges, surface roughness measurement, etc.
• Experience in using measurement instruments like comparators and microscopes.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Working proficiency with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies and Fault Tree Analysis.