Senior Quality Technician

Space Systems

Rocket Lab's Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space - our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

About the role

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Quality Technician for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support the quality of avionics hardware for our electro-optical (EO) systems. You will work collaboratively in all aspects of electrical hardware development, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

What You'll Get to Do

• Perform final disposition of finished product (release to stock and outgoing QC)
• Evaluate production and test data against product requirements and operating protocols to determine final inspection status of product
• Prepare deliverable product data packages as prescribed by program/procedural requirements
• Perform process verification/audits as assigned
• Support Quality System training initiatives
• Deploy the Quality Management System as it applies to scope of work
• Other appropriate activities as assigned
• Program, set up, and operate automated coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
• Generate inspection reports
• Familiarity with AS9100 standard or comparable quality management system preferred

You'll Bring These Qualifications as Senior Quality Technician

• 8+ years of experience in a production/manufacturing environment
• Proficient in ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience programming and operating automated CMMs, using CAM software
• High school diploma or GED

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Ability to read and interpret components and assembly drawings
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers and other employees of the organization
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language
• Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance
• Ability to deal with standardized situations with flexibility to change in priority
• Familiarity with metrology equipment preferred
• Desire experience/previous exposure to design and manufacturing environment and implementation of protocol
• Detail-oriented and able to correctly generate, audit, and review documentation
• Computer proficient with ability to learn new software as required

Additional information

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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.

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.

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.