Senior Tool & Die Machinist for Space Hardware

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Tool & Die Maker to design, fabricate, and maintain precision tools for Rutherford and Archimedes engines. You will operate manual and CNC machines and interpret complex engineering drawings to tight tolerances.

This role requires 8+ years of machining experience, EDM proficiency, surface grinders, and a strong GD&T background. Join a high-performance shop delivering precision components for aerospace programs.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience operating machining equipment, including conventional and CNC lathes/milling machines.
• Expertise in using surface grinders
• Proficiency with EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) equipment
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
• Skilled in blueprint reading
• Experience with precision measurement tools and equipment
• Ability to machine components to tolerances as tight as ±0.0001"
• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and maintain precision tools from engineering drawings.
• Operate manual and CNC machine tools to close tolerances.
• Interpret complex engineering blueprints and CAD/CAM models.
• Diagnose and repair worn or broken tooling.
• Maintain organized tool crib and documentation of tooling.

Skills

Machining experience

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Tool design

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Siemens NX

CMM

EDM equipment

Surface grinders

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Tool & Die Maker to design, fabricate, and maintain precision tools for Rutherford and Archimedes engines. You will operate manual and CNC machines and interpret complex engineering drawings to tight tolerances.

This role requires 8+ years of machining experience, EDM proficiency, surface grinders, and a strong GD&T background. Join a high-performance shop delivering precision components for aerospace programs.