Quality Inspector II

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 2,954,952,000 - 4,208,568,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized EV charging

Onsite fitness centers (where offered)

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Quality Inspector II – NDT to ensure the integrity of components through PT and VT inspections, working with engineering and production teams to refine procedures and SOPs.

You will perform penetrant and visual inspections on aerospace parts, apply NDT to complex geometries, and help maintain records per the QMS. The role requires AS/AMS/AWS/NAS/ASME/ASTM knowledge and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or a similar industry.
• Hands‑on experience performing PT and VT inspection in aerospace.
• Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high‑strength aluminum alloys, precipitation‑hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and maraging steels.
• Working knowledge of AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM standards.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Certifications: AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); NDT Level I/II in PT NAS 410, ASNT, or equivalent; NDT Level I/II in VT NAS 410, ASNT, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily activities of the NDT team to keep inspection operations efficient and effective.
• Perform and evaluate advanced penetrant (PT) and visual (VT) inspections on components, assemblies, and welds to detect defects and determine acceptability to specification.
• Apply NDT techniques to complex geometries and advanced materials.
• Support research and development efforts for qualification and certification of critical processes.
• Ensure inspections comply with applicable AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM standards.
• Maintain accurate inspection records in accordance with the quality management system.
• Stay current on advancements in NDT technology and techniques to continuously improve inspection capabilities.

Skills

NDT PT/VT experience

Aerospace industry experience

Materials inspection

Standards knowledge (AS, AMS, AWS, NAS

High school diploma or GED

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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!

QUALITY INSPECTOR II – NDT

The Quality Inspector II – NDT will ensure the integrity, reliability, and quality of components and assemblies through penetrant (PT) and visual (VT) inspection. Working closely with engineering and production teams, this individual will help develop and refine NDT processes, acceptance criteria, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Partner with engineering, production, and manufacturing teams to develop and improve NDT processes, acceptance criteria, and SOPs, and to eliminate non-conforming product.
• Coordinate daily activities of the NDT team to keep inspection operations efficient and effective.
• Perform and evaluate advanced penetrant (PT) and visual (VT) inspections on components, assemblies, and welds to detect defects and determine acceptability to specification.
• Apply NDT techniques to complex geometries and advanced materials.
• Support research and development efforts for qualification and certification of critical processes.
• Ensure inspections comply with applicable AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM standards.
• Maintain accurate inspection records in accordance with the quality management system.
• Stay current on advancements in NDT technology and techniques to continuously improve inspection capabilities.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or a similar industry
• Hands‑on experience performing PT and VT inspection in aerospace
• Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high‑strength aluminum alloys, precipitation‑hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and maraging steels
• Working knowledge of AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM standards
• High school diploma or GED
• Certifications:
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • NDT Level I / II in PT per NAS 410, ASNT, or equivalent
  • NDT Level I / II in VT per NAS 410, ASNT, or equivalent

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • 1:15PM - 9:45PM Monday – Friday
• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

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)

$26 – $30 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.

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.