Senior CNC Programmer

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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!

Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex facility in Middle River, Maryland. The Master CNC Machinist will maintain, set up program and operate the CNC machines to build flight-ready hardware that meet Rocket Lab specification at the needed rate.

Space Structures Complex is hiring for multiple shift schedules.

• •Work with large CNC machines to produce carbon fiber components for our Neutron rocket.
• •Use Mastercam to program safe and efficient toolpaths
• •Machine a range of tooling materials to produce large composite molds and tools to support production
• •Design and manufacture fixtures and tooling to enable machining of components
• •Read and translate drawings/CAD models
• •Develop and improve manufacturing processes
• •Be responsible for sourcing and testing new tooling solutions to improve productivity
• •Provide feedback to Engineering to improve manufacturability
• •Work to identify and reduce any non-conformances
• •Provide improvement ideas on batch sizes, setups, tool selection etc.
• •Track calibration and maintenance of all equipment and tooling in the area

• •HS Diploma and 8+ years of CNC Milling experience
• •Experience programming and operating a 5 Axis CNC
• •Familiar with the use of MasterCAM
• •In depth knowledge of GD&T
• •Ability to read and interpreting technical drawings
• •Strong knowledge of machine workings, maintenance and calibration.

• +Experience in an Aerospace Manufacturing Environment
• +Experience running CMS CNC machines (Poseidon, Ares) or similar large 5 axis gantry style machines.
• +Experience operating machines that have a Fanuc control
• +Experience with CAD design preferably NX or Mastercam
• +Experience working with composite materials (Carbon fiber/fiberglass)
• +Manual Programming (understand and diagnose g-code)

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.

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 .