Senior Quality Inspector

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018 becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad an advanced 13-tonne payload class reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope NASA Psyche Mission Artemis I Mars Ingenuity helicopter and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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 Labs proven execution history with the Electron program. If youre 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 QUALITY INSPECTOR

Based on-site at Rocket Lab in our Middle River MD facility we are looking for is an experienced inspector with a high level of attention to detail to detect anything related to the product that does not meet product standards. Someone who embraces challenges and has clear communication skills. If you have a passion for aerospace and a track record of maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast-paced environment you might be the Quality Inspector we are searching for.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO

• Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts and assemblies.
• Perform work in process quality inspections and final sign-off inspections to release product for flight.
• Follow and create detailed work instructions if needed for receiving inspection for components/assemblies.
• Highlight all concerns directly back to the engineering quality and production team by thoroughly documenting issues and non-conformances in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in our internal quality monitoring systems (Issue tracking system) and Manufacturing execution system (MES) and/or ERP as applicable.
• Follow up on calibration tracking and compliance to tool calibration system.
• Embody a Built in Quality philosophy consistently detecting non-conformances (Dont accept a Defect Dont Pass a Defect) and preventing escapes to downstream customers.
• Work with manufacturing and quality engineers and participate in root cause investigations and implementation of appropriate containment and corrective actions.
• Provide detailed feedback for production improvements to ensure high quality standards are maintained.
• Collaborate with engineering and management to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the process.
• Assist in the identification of failure modes through participation in PFMEAs and contribute ideas to eliminate the potential for future failures and/or participate to drive actions to completion.
• Drive reliable data collection to help with statistical understanding of our products.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• 8 years of experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing and quality environment.
• Deep understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and reading blueprints.
• Experience with composites and mechanical assemblies including lamination bonding drilling fastening etc.
• Ability to operate a laser scanner

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Inspection experience with aerospace propulsion components & assemblies.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience with Hexagon Laser Scanners using Hexagon Inspire software
• NDT experience using ultrasonic testing.
• Understanding of theory of measurement limitations of metrology systems and ability to clearly communicate.
• High level of experience using hand measuring instruments including calipers micrometers depth gauges feeler gauges pine gauges thread gauges surface roughness measurement etc.
  Experience in using measurement instruments like comparators.
  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite especially Excel
• Excellent communication skills capable of working collaboratively within the organization and external suppliers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Repetitive assembly operations grasping standing lifting bending pulling pushing stooping stretching and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.
• 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 lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.