Senior CNC Machinist - D Shift

Rocket Lab Corporation
Long Beach, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward experienced CNC machinists comfortable with high-precision aerospace manufacturing and long rotating shifts.

Best fit for

  • Experienced CNC machinists with aerospace manufacturing background and a track record of improving processes
    — “Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection etc.”
  • Candidates who can work non-traditional hours and have strong attention to detail in a high-stakes environment
    — “Willing to work D Shift (Friday – Sunday 3:15pm - 1:45am)”
  • Individuals with a history of interpreting complex technical drawings and GD&T in production settings
    — “Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T.”

Things to consider

  • The role demands physical stamina for extended hours in noisy, temperature-variable environments
    — “Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery”
  • Limited flexibility for remote work due to the need for hands-on machine operation and equipment calibration
    — “Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with multi-axis machines and specific controls like Siemens, Fanuc, or Celos
    — “Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls”
  • Showcase process improvement contributions from prior roles, such as reducing non-conformances or optimizing setups
    — “Work to reduce any non-conformances found by quality or engineering.”
  • Emphasize hands-on experience with DMG Mori machines and live tooling setups
    — “Competent navigating DMG Mori Machines: DMU 50,85,125, NLX 2500-4000”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · LowAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Maintain, set up and operate CNC machines
  • Provide feedback to improve work instructions
  • Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances
  • Reduce non-conformances
Typical background
8+ years CNC operation experienceAerospace manufacturing experience

Skills & requirements

Required

CNC OperationCNC Lathe And Mill MachinesGD&TInterpret Drawings

Preferred

CNC ProgrammingAerospace Manufacturing5-axis CNC OperationDMG Mori MachinesSiemens, Fanuc And Celos ControlsBar FeedersManual Programming

Stack & domain

CNC Operation On Lathe And MillsLathes: Dual Spindle (live Tooling)Mills: Turning 5th AxisInterpret Drawings, GD&TCNC Programming Experience - NX ProgrammingAerospace Manufacturing Environment5-axis CNC Operation And SetupNavigating DMG Mori Machines: DMU 50,85,125, NLX 2500-4000Siemens, Fanuc And Celos ControlsExperience Using Bar FeedersManual ProgrammingFeedback To Improve Work InstructionsProvide Improvement Ideas On Batch Sizes, Setups, Tool Selection Etc.Track Calibration And Maintenance Of All Equipment And ToolingWork In Varied Environments Including Production Floors, Equipment Areas, And Field Locations With Exposure To Noise, Temperature Variations, And Moving MachineryFlexibility To Work Extended Hours, Weekends, And Varied Shifts As Operational Needs RequireManufacturingAerospace

About the role

Original posting from Rocket Lab Corporation via Greenhouse

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 - D 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 D Shift (Friday – Sunday 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

#RL1

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 USDWHAT 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 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 here ITAR Regulations.

Source: Rocket Lab Corporation careers (Greenhouse)

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