Lathe CNC Machinist III / Senior - A Shift
Rocket Lab Corporation
| Company | Rocket Lab Corporation |
| Category | Manufacturing |
| Location | Long Beach |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Senior |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 30 Jun 2026 |
| Last verified | 9 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
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 to 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!
LATHE CNC MACHINIST III / SENIOR - A SHIFT
Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California the Lathe 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 Lathe CNC Machinist III /Senior Level)
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LATHE CNC MACHINIST III:
5+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and y-axis
Demonstrated ability using Lathes: Dual Spindle (Live Tooling)
Demonstrated ability using precision measuring tools (bore gage, micrometer, calipers.)
Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, GD&T
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR LATHE CNC MACHINIST:
8+ years of experience with CNC operation on lathes with live tooling and y-axis
Demonstrated ability using Lathes: Dual Spindle (Live Tooling)
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
Knowledge of using CELOS software on DMG machines.
Experience using Siemens, Fanuc and Celos Controls
Experience using bar feeders
Manual Programming
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willing to work A Shift (Monday – Thursday 5:00am – 3:30pm)
Stand and walk extended periods ( 8+ hours) on production floor
Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions
Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require