Senior Tool & Die Maker - A Shift

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

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 TOOL & DIE MAKER

Based at Rocket Lab's EDC facility in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Tool & Die Maker plays a key role in machining and developing new products and product updates for both Rutherford and Archimedes engines. This position supports the Machine Shop and Tool Design teams, contributing to various projects and deliverables across the shop.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• 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.

YOU’LL BRING THESE 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification
• Siemens NX experience
• CMM experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work A Shift (Monday – Thursday 5:00am - 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

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$30—$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:

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