Senior CNC Machinist - D Shift

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

9d•$35 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking 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 needs. The machinist works with lathe and mill machines, interprets drawings and CAD models, and collaborates with CNC programmers, quality, and engineering teams to maintain tolerances and address non-conformances. The position also contributes to improving work instructions, production batches, setups, and tool selection, while tracking calibration and maintenance of equipment and tooling. The role is assigned to D Shift, Friday through Sunday, 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. It requires standing and walking for the full shift and working with tools and equipment in production and equipment areas, with occasional field locations. The work may involve noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery. Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts may be required as operational needs dictate.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience operating CNC lathes and mills.
Demonstrated ability with dual-spindle lathes with live tooling.
Demonstrated ability with mills involving 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 the 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.
Manual dexterity to precisely handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
Ability to work in 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 in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
5-axis CNC operation and setup experience.
Competence navigating DMG Mori machines: DMU 50, 85, and 125; NLX 2500–4000.
Experience using Siemens, Fanuc, and Celos controls.
Experience using bar feeders.
Manual programming experience.

Responsibilities

Maintain, set up, and operate CNC machines to produce flight-ready hardware that meets Rocket Lab specifications and production requirements.
Work with CNC lathe and mill machines.
Read and interpret 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.