CNC Machinist III / Senior - B Shift

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EV charging

Onsite gym

Gym membership discounts

Snacks & beverages

Merch store discount

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a CNC Machinist III or Senior CNC Machinist (B shift) to maintain, set up and operate CNC machines to build flight-ready hardware per Rocket Lab specs.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years (III) or 8+ years (Senior) of CNC experience, with dual-spindle lathes and 5th-axis mills, GD&T interpretation, and readiness for 2nd shift 3:15pm–1:45am. Base salary and benefits apply.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC operation on lathe and mills.

Responsibilities

• Work with CNC lathe and mill machines.
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models.
• Provide feedback to improve work instructions.
• Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances.
• 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.

Skills

CNC operation

Lathe - dual spindle

Mills - 5th axis

GD&T reading

Tools

NX Programming

Siemens controls

Fanuc controls

Celos controls

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.

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 III / SENIOR CNC MACHINIST - B SHIFT

Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California the CNC Machinist/Senior 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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Work with CNC lathe and mill machines
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models
• Provide feedback to improve work instructions
• Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances
• 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.

(This position can be hired as a CNC Machinist III or Senior CNC Machinist Level)

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

• 5+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills
• Demonstrated ability using Lathes: Dual Spindle (Live Tooling)
• Demonstrated ability using Mills: Turning 5th Axis.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T

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

• 8+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills
• Demonstrated ability using Lathes: Dual Spindle (Live Tooling)
• Demonstrated ability using Mills: Turning 5th axis
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• CNC programming experience - NX Programming
• Experience in an Aerospace Manufacturing Environment
• 5-axis CNC operation and setup
• Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls
• Experience using bar feeders
• Manual Programming

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work 2nd shift (Monday- Thursday 3:15pm - 1:45am)
• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.

#RL1

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry‑leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top‑tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero‑cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$35 — $50 USD

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.