Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Inspector - Mechanical

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!

ABOUT INCOMING QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR AT ROCKET LAB

As an Incoming Quality Control Inspector - Mechanical, you're the gate between our suppliers and our production floor. When hardware arrives, whether it's a machined manifold, a 3D-printed injector, or a batch of fasteners, you verify that it matches the drawing, the purchase order, and the paperwork before it goes anywhere near an engine or stage.

If it's right, you release it. If it's not, you quarantine it, write it up, and make sure it doesn't come back the same way twice

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Inspect a wide range of hardware, including purchased parts, 3D-printed components, CNC-machined parts, and electro-mechanical assemblies, against drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements.
• Carry out precision inspections at every stage, from receiving through in-process to final assembly, using hand measuring tools and CMMs.
• Document non-conformances clearly and accurately in our ERP, MES, and issue-tracking systems, following Rocket Lab procedures, so issues can be resolved quickly and traced to root cause.
• Work with Engineering and management to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the build process.
• Coordinate with Production to prioritise inspection workload and help the team hit key delivery milestones without compromising quality.
• Live a Built-In Quality mindset (Don't accept a defect. Don't pass a defect.) by catching non-conformances early and stopping them from reaching downstream teams or customers.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years in a quality assurance or inspection role in a mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with precision measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, surface roughness testers, and inspection microscopes.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and confidence reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with strong attention to detail and a genuine willingness to learn.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in a space manufacturing environment, particularly in-process inspection on engine builds.
• Experience with advanced measuring equipment, such as optical comparators, Romer arms, and CMMs (Aberlink or PC-DMIS).
• Visual inspection experience using borescopes on internal features and passages.
• Inspection experience with aerospace components and assemblies.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Shift: Able to work Monday to Thursday, 3:00 pm – 1:30 am.
• Vision: Good close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus on fine detail for accurate visual and dimensional inspection.
• Physical: Comfortable with seated bench work, fine hand and finger tasks, and regular computer use.
• Mobility: Able to move between buildings on site.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Environment: Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise. PPE is provided.

If this sounds like you then apply now.

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:

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 .

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.