Senior CNC Machinist - C Shift

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior CNC Machinist based at its headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role maintains, sets up, and operates CNC machines to produce flight-ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications and production-rate needs. The position supports development of Neutron, Rocket Lab’s reusable medium-lift launch vehicle. The machinist works with CNC lathes and mills, interprets drawings and CAD models, collaborates with CNC programmers to maintain tolerances, and provides feedback to improve work instructions and manufacturing processes. The role also helps address non-conformances and tracks calibration and maintenance of equipment and tooling. This is a C Shift role scheduled Friday through Sunday, 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The work involves standing and walking for extended periods, operating tools and equipment, and working in production and equipment areas with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery. The role may require extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require. Rocket Lab offers an employee stock purchase program, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, snacks and beverages, employee discounts, and a merchandise-store discount. Benefit eligibility may vary by employment status.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience operating CNC lathes and mills.
Demonstrated ability using dual-spindle lathes with live tooling.
Demonstrated ability using mills with turning 5th axis capability.
Ability to interpret drawings and GD&T.
Willingness to work C Shift, Friday through Sunday, 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and 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 up to 25 lbs.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Maintain, set up, and operate CNC machines to build flight-ready hardware to Rocket Lab specifications and production-rate needs.
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, and tool selection.
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 merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.