Senior CNC Machinist - B 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 produce flight-ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications and production requirements. The machinist works with CNC lathe and mill machines and collaborates with programmers, quality, and engineering teams to maintain tolerances and improve manufacturing processes. The position requires working B Shift, Monday through Thursday from 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., with flexibility for extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

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 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Willingness to work B Shift, Monday through Thursday, 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m.
Ability to stand and walk for the entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces; climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas; perform repetitive motions; precisely operate tools and equipment; and lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

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