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Senior Quality Inspector - NDT Verified today

Rocket Lab · Long Beach, CA · Production · first seen 2026-07-17
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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. Our Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

The Senior Quality Inspector - NDT Technician will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and quality of components and assemblies by collaborating with engineering and production teams. You will be responsible for developing and implementing processes, acceptance criteria, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) activities.

Your Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to develop and refine NDT processes, acceptance criteria, and SOPs.
  • Lead and coordinate daily NDT team activities, ensuring efficient and effective inspection operations.
  • Perform advanced penetrant (PT) inspections on components and assemblies to detect defects and ensure compliance with specifications.
  • Develop and implement NDT inspection techniques for complex geometries and advanced materials.
  • Interpret and evaluate penetrant (PT) results to determine the acceptability of materials and components.
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to NDT Level I and II technicians.
  • Support research and development efforts for system qualification and certification of critical processes.
  • Ensure adherence to NDT standards such as AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve NDT processes and eliminate non-conforming products.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of inspection results and ensure compliance with quality management systems.
  • Stay updated on advancements in NDT technology and techniques to continuously improve inspection capabilities.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in mechanical assembly, mechanical fitting, or NDT testing.
  • Extensive experience in aviation, aerospace, or similar industry performing NDT inspections.
  • Extensive experience inspecting advanced materials such as high-strength aluminum alloys, precipitation-hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and Maraging steel.
  • Strong understanding of NDT standards and codes, including AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Certification as NDT Level I in penetrant (PT) per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards.
  • Certification as NDT Level II in penetrant (PT) per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards.

Nice to Have

  • Proven experience in improving NDT processes for efficiency, productivity, and quality assurance.
  • Certification in American Welding Society (AWS) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
  • Familiarity with advanced inspection techniques for complex geometries and challenging materials.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work A Shift: 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
  • Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
  • Climb ladders and work at elevated height, in 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The salary range for this role in California is $33 to $40 USD per hour.

Employees receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO and PPO with 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. Additional perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Important Information

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 (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.

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.