CNC Machinist III / Senior - D Shift

Company: Rocket Lab Corporation
Location: Long Beach
Posted on: January 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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 space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! CNC MACHINIST III / SENIOR – D SHIFT Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California the CNC Machinist III / Senior will maintain, set up and operate the CNC machines to build flight-ready hardware that meet Rocket Lab specification at the needed rate. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Work with CNC lathe and mill machines Read and translate drawings/CAD models Provide feedback to improve work instructions Work with CNC programmer to maintain tolerances Work to reduce any non-conformances found by quality or engineering. Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection etc. Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area. (This position can be hired as a CNC Machinist III or Senior CNC Machinist Level) YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A CNC MACHINIST III: 5 years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills Demonstrated ability using Lathes: Dual Spindle (Live Tooling) Demonstrated ability using Mills: Turning 5th Axis. Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR CNC MACHINIST: 8 years of experience with CNC operation on lathe and mills Demonstrated ability using Lathes: Dual Spindle (Live Tooling) Demonstrated ability using Mills: Turning 5th axis Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: CNC programming experience - NX Programming Experience in an Aerospace Manufacturing Environment 5-axis CNC operation and setup Competent navigating DMG Mori Machines: DMU 50,85,125, NLX 2500-4000 Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls Experience using bar feeders Manual Programming ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Willing to work D Shift (Friday - Sunday 3:15pm - 1:45am) Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position. 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 lift up to 25lbs. unassisted. PAY RANGE: $35 - 50 Per Hour Plus Shift Differential Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $35—$50 USD WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. 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 our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

Keywords: Rocket Lab Corporation, Lake Elsinore , CNC Machinist III / Senior - D Shift, Engineering , Long Beach, California