Senior CNC Machinist - D Shift

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

6d•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 manufacture flight-ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications and production rates. The machinist works with CNC lathes and mills, interprets drawings and CAD models, collaborates with CNC programmers, supports tolerance control, and helps improve work instructions and manufacturing processes. The position is on D Shift, Friday through Sunday, 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience operating CNC lathes and mills.
Demonstrated ability to use dual-spindle lathes with live tooling.
Demonstrated ability to use mills with turning 5th axis.
Ability to interpret drawings and GD&T.
Willingness to work D Shift, Friday through Sunday, 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.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 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.

Nice To Haves

CNC programming experience.
NX programming experience.
Experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
5-axis CNC operation and setup experience.
Competence navigating DMG Mori machines, including DMU 50, DMU 85, DMU 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, and tool selection.
Track calibration and maintenance of equipment and tooling in the 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 and vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability and 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.