CNC Machinist III - A Shift

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

3d•$35 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a CNC Machinist III for its Neutron program, based at company headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role maintains, sets up, and operates CNC machines to manufacture flight-ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications and production requirements. The machinist works with CNC lathes and mills, interprets drawings and CAD models, collaborates with CNC programmers, and contributes to improvements in work instructions, processes, and equipment upkeep. This position requires working A Shift, Monday through Thursday, from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The work involves standing and walking throughout the shift and may take place on production floors, in equipment areas, or at field locations. Employees may encounter noise, temperature variations, moving machinery, elevated work areas, and tight or awkward spaces. Extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts may be required according to operational needs. The advertised California hourly pay range is $35–$50. Rocket Lab lists medical, dental, vision, retirement, leave, insurance, and other benefits; eligibility may vary based on employment status.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience operating CNC lathes and mills.
Demonstrated ability with dual-spindle lathes with live tooling.
Demonstrated ability with mills involving 5th-axis turning.
Ability to interpret drawings and GD&T.
Willingness to work A Shift, Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ability to stand and walk for the entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, and in awkward or tight areas as needed.
Ability to perform repetitive motions, including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
Ability to use hands precisely to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to 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.
For U.S. office candidates, must meet applicable ITAR eligibility requirements, including qualifying citizenship or immigration status or eligibility to obtain required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

CNC programming experience, including NX Programming.
Experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
5-axis CNC operation and setup experience.
Experience navigating DMG Mori machines, including DMU 50, 85, and 125 and NLX 2500–4000.
Experience using Siemens, Fanuc, and Celos controls.
Experience using bar feeders.
Manual programming experience.

Responsibilities

Work with CNC lathe and mill machines.
Read and translate drawings and CAD models.
Provide feedback to improve work instructions.
Work with CNC programmers to maintain tolerances.
Help reduce non-conformances identified by quality or engineering.
Suggest improvements to batch sizes, setups, tool selection, and related processes.
Track calibration and maintenance of equipment and tooling in the work area.

Benefits

Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.