Senior CNC Machinist - C Shift

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical coverage

401(k) with company match

3 weeks paid vacation

Onsite gym

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a CNC Machinist III / Senior for C Shift at its Long Beach, California headquarters. The role builds flight-ready hardware using CNC lathes and mills, reading drawings, and maintaining tolerances.

You will collaborate with CNC programmers, propose improvements, and support quality and engineering in reducing non-conformances. The position offers competitive base salary, benefits, and opportunities for career growth in aerospace manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years CNC lathe/mill experience.
• Dual-spindle live tooling experience.
• Ability to interpret drawings and GD&T.
• NX programming knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes and mills to build flight-ready hardware.
• Read and translate drawings/CAD models, maintain tolerances.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers to sustain production quality.
• Propose improvements to batch sizes, setup, and tooling.

Skills

CNC operation lathe/mill

Dual spindle (Live tooling)

Turning 5th axis

GD&T / drawings 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 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.

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 - C SHIFT

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


• 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 C Shift (Friday - Sunday 5:30am - 3:30pm)


• 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. 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, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the bene