Senior Quality Inspector

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

9h•$33 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Quality Inspector – Avionics for its Space Systems team, based at its headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role performs inspections against prescribed criteria to ensure products meet engineering and production standards. The inspector identifies and documents non-conformances, helps resolve quality issues, and supports continuous improvement and the prevention of defects reaching downstream customers. The position inspects electronic and electrical components, including purchased parts, PCBAs, wire harnesses, electro-mechanical assemblies, and other avionics systems. It also develops and follows detailed receiving-inspection work instructions, records issues in internal quality systems, collaborates with engineering, quality, and production teams, supports audits and corrective actions, and monitors tool calibration.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in a quality assurance role in an electronics manufacturing environment.
Current IPC-A-610 certification.
Current or previous IPC/WHMA-A-620C and/or AC 43.13 certification.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accurate work.
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.
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.
For U.S. office candidates, must meet the stated ITAR-related citizenship, residency, refugee/asylee, or authorization eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ISO9000 and/or AS9100 requirements.
Experience with IPC J-STD-001 with space addendum.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Active U.S. Security Clearance or ability to obtain one.
Experience working on flight hardware, satellites, or other high-reliability systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct complex inspections of electronic and electrical components, including purchased parts, PCBAs, wire harnesses, electro-mechanical assemblies, and other avionics systems.
Develop and follow detailed work instructions for receiving inspections of PCBAs, harnesses, electro-mechanical components and assemblies, and test reports.
Identify and document issues and non-conformances in internal quality monitoring systems, including the Issue Tracking System, MES, and/or ERP systems.
Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to address and resolve quality concerns.
Support internal audits and prepare production areas for external audits, including tracking and closing corrective action requests.
Monitor compliance with tool calibration systems and maintain calibration tracking.
Promote a “Built-in Quality” philosophy by detecting and addressing non-conformances to prevent defects from reaching downstream customers.

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 significant 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.