CNC Machinist

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in space exploration is seeking a CNC Machinist in Long Beach, California, to support the development of cutting-edge artificial gravity space stations. The ideal candidate will operate CNC machinery ensuring precision in manufacturing, contribute to quality assurance processes, and collaborate effectively with the team to achieve critical mission milestones. This is a full-time position offering competitive hourly rates and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

Access to a 401(k) retirement plan

Company equity

Exceptional food perks

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience.
• 3+ years with HAAS and FANUC CNC machines.
• Comfortable reading blueprints and referencing dimensions.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC Mills/Lathes.
• Perform first article inspections and ensure quality.
• Maintain machining equipment and communicate quality issues.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

College or Trade school certificate

Tools

CNC Mills

CNC Lathes

Inspection tools

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a CNC Machinist, reporting to the Senior Manager of Machining, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As a machinist, you will manufacture hardware from billet stock and additively produced parts using state‑of‑the‑art CNC machinery. The ideal candidate can set up, operate, and troubleshoot the equipment, and is comfortable reading blueprints, interpreting GD&T, and referencing dimensions to datums.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Openings on first and second shift available.

Shift Hours

• First Shift: 6AM-3:30PM
• Second Shift: 3PM-12:30AM

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC Mills/Lathes.
• Ability to check parts that are running according to the in-process inspection plan, including optical comparator, caliper, and micrometers.
• Understand speeds and feeds.
• Communicate with machine shop leadership when parts exhibit quality issues or concern.
• Perform first article inspections.
• Deburr all parts to ensure quality part.
• Perform basic maintenance needs of the machine. Clean chips, fill coolant, add fluids, Clean machine.
• Effectively work as a team and pass on workload to the following shift.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience.
• 3+ years working with CNC machines with HAAS and FANUC controls.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Working knowledge of GD&T.
• Familiarity with inspection tools.
• Working knowledge of G-code.
• Strong Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to deburr all parts to ensure quality parts.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• College or Trade school certificate.
• Working knowledge of additive manufactured (metal 3D) parts.
• Multi-axis Mill, Lathe, Mill-Turn and Turn-Mill knowledge.
• Ability to run up to 2 machines simultaneously.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted.
• Prolonged periods of standing, pushing/pulling, lifting, and operating machines.

Pay Ranges

• CNC Machinist I: $23.00 - $32.00
• CNC Machinist II: $28.00 - $39.00
• CNC Machinist III: $35.00 - $44.00

Salary Range: California

$23—$44 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.