Inspection Technician I​/II

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space.

Based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Inspection Technician will support the Quality Inspector Supervisor and the Space Systems organization. The role involves inspecting mechanical and electrical components for spacecraft assemblies, operating precision tools such as CMMs and micrometers, and assembling flight mechanisms using production drawings.

• Inspect mechanical and electrical components before use in traceable spacecraft assemblies.
• Use and maintain Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM), calipers, micrometers, gauges, comparators, hardness testers, and other common mechanical inspection tools.
• Create standard operating procedures for specific mechanical parts.
• Communicate findings through written standardized documentation and verbal discussion.
• Assemble space flight mechanisms following written production drawings and procedures.
• Generate ideas for potential process improvements.
• Ship and receive components according to standard company procedures.

• 2+ years of quality inspection experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with common aerospace inspection tools, e.g. calipers, multimeters, micrometers, gauges, comparators, etc.
• Familiarity with common aerospace assembly tools, e.g. torque wrenches, force gauges, load cells, scales, etc.

• 5+ years of quality inspection experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with common aerospace inspection tools, e.g. calipers, multimeters, micrometers, gauges, comparators, etc.
• Familiarity with common aerospace assembly tools, e.g. torque wrenches, force gauges, load cells, scales, etc.

• 8+ years engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
• Direct inspection or design experience with parts complying to the ASME Y14.5 standard.
• Familiarity with use of CMM.
• Strong technical and mechanical capability.
• Familiarity with simple electrical schematics and components.
• Attention to detail necessary to verify inspected components meet required specifications.
• Integrity and focus to follow and execute procedures.
• Familiarity with common geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
• Passion for doing excellent work with mechanisms and physical assemblies.
• Mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Self‑motivated mindset.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Desire to work in a small‑company environment.

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on how to deliver rather than dwelling on challenges.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab…