Level Three Quality Inspector Jobs in Valencia, CA

SPACE SYSTEMS 

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.  

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

QUALITY INSPECTOR III/SENIOR

As a Quality Inspector III/Senior based at Rocket Lab's site in Pasadena, CA, you will have the opportunity to support the inspection and release of purchased, machined, fabricated, and assembled hardware by ensuring it meets engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements before release to production. In this role, you will perform receiving, in-process, first-article, and final inspections, manage inspection priorities to support production schedules, and provide hands-on support to manufacturing as needed. To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, organized, adaptable, and committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: This position can be hired as a Quality Inspector III or Senior Quality Inspector) 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Inspect precision machined parts, fabricated hardware, purchased components, and mechanical assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Program and operate CMM equipment using PC-DMIS to inspect complex parts and verify dimensional and GD&T requirements.
• Perform receiving, in-process, first-article, and final inspections using CMMs and precision hand measurement equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and ASME Y14.5 GD&T requirements.
• Review supplier inspection reports, material and process certifications, and other acceptance documentation.
• Document inspection results and create accurate issue tickets, nonconformance reports (NCPs), and supporting records in company quality, ERP, and manufacturing systems.
• Work with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve drawing, inspection, and hardware discrepancies.
• Help define inspection methods, critical inspection points, and work instructions for complex hardware.
• Plan and schedule inspection work against production priorities, supplier deliveries, and build needs to keep conforming hardware moving to the floor.
• Provide flexible hands-on support to production, including hardware verification, documentation checks, material movement, kitting support, and other priority tasks within training and authorization.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS QUALITY INSPECTOR III

• 5+ years of mechanical inspection experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, precision machining, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Required experience programming and operating CMMs using PC-DMIS.
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, indicators, and surface-plate inspection methods.
• Experience inspecting close-tolerance machined parts and documenting objective evidence of conformance.
• Ability to identify, clearly document, and communicate nonconforming conditions, including creation and follow-through of issue tickets and NCPs.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, coordinate inspection schedules, and support technicians and production teams in a fast-paced build environment.
• High school diploma or GED.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR QUALITY INSPECTOR

• 8+ years of mechanical inspection experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, precision machining, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Required experience programming and operating CMMs using PC-DMIS.
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, indicators, and surface-plate inspection methods.
• Experience inspecting close-tolerance machined parts and documenting objective evidence of conformance.
• Ability to identify, clearly document, and communicate nonconforming conditions, including creation and follow-through of issue tickets and NCPs.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, coordinate inspection schedules, and support technicians and production teams in a fast-paced build environment.
• High school diploma or GED.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience inspecting aerospace or spaceflight hardware and completing AS9102 first-article inspections.
• Experience with optical comparators, portable CMM arms, Keyence systems, surface roughness measurement, or borescopes.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, supplier documentation, and ERP or MES software.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• 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