CNC Machinist- All Levels

Rocketlab; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 34,440 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical HMO

401(k) retirement plan with company match

3 weeks paid vacation

Free snacks/drinks onsite

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Middle River, Maryland, is seeking CNC Machinists of all levels to maintain and operate CNC machines for flight-ready hardware. The position involves working with carbon, glass, and wood composites to create components for the Neutron rocket.

Candidates must have a HS Diploma with varying experience levels for different machinist positions. Excellent benefits are offered alongside a competitive salary range of $25 to $40 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills.
• Experience using a 5 Axis CNC.
• CNC programming experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, set up, and operate CNC machines.
• Work with composite CNC machines cutting various materials.
• Provide feedback to Engineering to improve instructions.

Skills

CNC operation on lathe

CNC operation on mills

5 Axis CNC operation

Education

HS Diploma

Tools

CNC programming

NX programming

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 rocket has 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!

CNC MACHINIST – ALL LEVELS

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex facility in Middle River, Maryland. The Master CNC Machinist will maintain, set up and operate the CNC machines to build flight‑ready hardware that meet Rocket Lab specification at the needed rate.

Space Structures Complex is hiring for multiple shift schedules.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Work with composites CNC machine cutting carbon, glass, and wood.
• Machine massive components for our Neutron rocket.
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models.
• Provide feedback to Engineering to improve instructions.
• Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances and do basic programming activities.
• Work to reduce any non‑conformances found by quality or engineering.
• Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection, etc.
• Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A CNC MACHINIST I:

• HS Diploma and experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills.
• Experience using a 5 Axis CNC.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A CNC MACHINIST II:

• HS Diploma and 2+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills.
• Experience using a 5 Axis CNC.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A CNC MACHINIST III:

• HS Diploma and 5+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills.
• Experience using a 5 Axis CNC.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR CNC MACHINIST:

• HS Diploma and 8+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills.
• Experience using a 5 Axis CNC.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• CNC programming experience – NX programming.
• Experience in an Aerospace Manufacturing Environment.
• Experience running CMS CNC machines (Poseidon, Ares).
• Manual programming (understand and diagnose G‑code).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on production floor.
• Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$25 – $40 USD

BENEFITS

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program and free snacks/drinks onsite.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.