Receiving Inspector I/II

Rocketlab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Receiving Inspector I/II to inspect mechanical and electrical components for spacecraft assemblies, operate CMMs and micrometers, and assemble flight mechanisms from production drawings. Join a driven Space Systems team delivering critical parts for missions with rigorous quality standards.

This role requires a high school diploma or GED and familiarity with aerospace inspection tools; the position offers growth in a fast‑paced, small-company

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Familiarity with aerospace inspection tools and common measurement devices.
• Experience with aerospace assembly tools is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Inspect mechanical and electrical components before use in spacecraft assemblies.
• Operate CMMs, calipers, micrometers, gages, comparators and other inspection tools.
• Create and follow SOPs for mechanical parts.
• Document findings in written and verbal communications.
• Assemble space flight mechanisms from production drawings and procedures.
• Suggest potential process improvements.
• Handle shipping and receiving per company procedures.

Skills

Quality inspection

Aerospace inspection tools

Aerospace assembly tools

CMM & precision measurement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Multimeters

Micrometers

Gages

Comparators

Torque wrenches

Force gauges

Load cells

Scales

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

RECEIVING INSPECTOR I/II

Based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Receiving Inspector will be responsible for executing various aerospace inspections. You will support the Quality Inspector Supervisor and Space Systems organization. In this role, you’ll inspect mechanical and electrical components for spacecraft assemblies, operate precision tools like CMMs and micrometers, and assemble flight mechanisms using production drawings. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the IQC Inspector I or IQC Inspector II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Inspect mechanical and electrical components before use in traceable spacecraft assemblies
• Use and maintenance of Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM), calipers, micrometers, gages,
  comparators, hardness testers, and other common mechanical inspection tools.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures for specific mechanical parts.
• Communicate findings through written standardized documentation and verbal discussion.
• Assemble space flight mechanisms following written production drawings and procedures.
• Idea generation of potential process improvements.
• Shipping and receiving components according to standard company procedures.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A RECEIVING INSPECTOR I:

• High school diploma or GED
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with common aerospace inspection tools, e.g. calipers, multimeters, micrometers, gages,
  comparators, etc.
• Familiarity with common aerospace assembly tools, e.g. torque wrenches, force gages, load cells, scales, etc.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A RECEIVING INSPECTOR II:

• 2+ years of quality inspection experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment
• High school diploma or GED
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with common aerospace inspection tools, e.g. calipers, multimeters, micrometers, gages,
  comparators, etc.
• Familiarity with common aerospace assembly tools, e.g. torque wrenches, force gages, load cells, scales, etc.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• At least 8+ years engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Candidate has capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
• Direct inspection or design experience with parts complying to the ASME Y14.5 standard.
• Familiarity with use of CMM.
• Strong technical and mechanical capability.
• Familiarity with simple electrical schematics and components.
• Attention to detail necessary to verify inspected components meet required specifications.
• Integrity and focus to follow and execute procedures.
• Familiarity with common geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
• Passion for doing excellent work with mechanisms and physical assemblies.
• Mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues
• Self-motivated mind-set.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Desire to work in a small-company environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• 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 stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

• $18
• —
• $27 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.