Senior CNC Machinist - B Shift

rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

Merchandise discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior CNC Machinist on B shift to maintain, set up and operate CNC lathes and mills to produce flight-ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications. The role requires 8+ years of CNC experience with live tooling and 5-axis capability.

You will read drawings, work with the CNC programmer to maintain tolerances, and help improve work instructions. Expect a heavy shift with strong emphasis on quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of CNC operation on lathe and mills.
• Able to interpret drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with Dual Spindle live tooling on lathes and 5-axis turning on mills.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes and mills to produce flight-ready parts.
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models.
• Provide feedback to improve work instructions.
• Maintain tolerances with CNC programmer.
• Reduce non-conformances identified by QA/Engineering.
• Suggest improvements on batch sizes, setups, tooling.
• Track calibration and maintenance of equipment and tooling.

Skills

CNC operation

Lathe & Mill experience

GD&T interpretation

Tools

NX Programming

DMG Mori Machines

Siemens controls

Fanuc controls

Celos Controls

Bar feeders

Manual programming

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!

SENIOR CNC MACHINIST - B SHIFT

Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California the 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.

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
• Competent navigating DMG Mori Machines: DMU 50,85,125, NLX 2500-4000
• Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls
• Experience using bar feeders
• Manual Programming

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work B Shift (Monday - Thursday 3:15pm - 1:45am)
• 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)

$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.

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