CNC Operator
Rocket Lab Corporation
Salary undisclosed
Need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview? Contact us.
JobMinglr uses automated technology to recommend jobs based on profile information and job preferences. Match Score does not determine eligibility for a position, prevent a user from viewing or applying to a job, or make hiring decisions on behalf of an employer.
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.
CNC Operator
Rocket Lab’s Machine Shop are responsible for the advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door.
With direct involvement in parts during design through to manufacture, we see the whole picture. Through collaboration and teamwork, we bring the designs of our engineers to life by using state of the art CNC machinery to create our hardware.
Experience in aerospace, aviation, motorsports, marine or similar industries are preferred but not essential.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Manufacture parts for rockets and satellites
- All aspects of machine setting including vice and chuck change over
- Setting work coordinate systems, tool setting, loading and measurements
- Monitoring cutting conditions & make in process adjustments
- Inspecting finished parts
- Maintenance of CNC equipment as necessary for production
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Able to demonstrate 3+ years of relevant industry experience
THESE SKILLS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- High level of workmanship
- Fanuc, Siemens, and Mitsubishi CNC controls
- CAD Design
- Excellent attention to detail and record keeping
- Ability to work independently and deliver against deadlines
- Adheres to standardized processes
If you have CNC experience working with stainless steel, composites material or similar apply now - all applications are reviewed and considered.
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.
About this role
Rocket Lab's Machine Shop in Auckland is looking for a CNC operator to manufacture precision parts for satellites and rockets destined for orbit. You'll work across the full production cycle—from setup through inspection—using state-of-the-art CNC machinery to translate engineering designs into flight hardware. The role involves setting work coordinates, managing tool changes, monitoring cutting conditions, making in-process adjustments, and maintaining equipment as needed to keep production moving.
You'll need at least three years of hands-on CNC experience in a relevant industry such as aerospace, aviation, motorsports, or marine. Experience with stainless steel or composite materials is particularly valued. While familiarity with Fanuc, Siemens, or Mitsubishi controls, CAD design, and strong attention to detail will strengthen your application, the core requirement is demonstrated competency on the machines themselves. You should be comfortable working independently, meeting tight deadlines, and adhering to standardized processes.
This is an in-office role based in Auckland. Due to U.S. export regulations (ITAR), you must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or hold eligible residency status. Background checks are conducted prior to any offer.
Typical pay for this role
$40,000
Typical range: $40,000 to $60,000
This role's local market on JobMinglr
Pay for this role
The employer didn't post a pay range for this role. That usually means pay is set in negotiation, which favors whoever arrives with numbers. Check ranges on comparable CNC Operator postings in Auckland, and analyze any offer before you accept it.
Before you apply, worth reading
How JobMinglr reads this job
Every listing here is scored against your profile before you apply: skills overlap, experience level, location and work arrangement, each weighted and explained. You see the score and the reasons, not just a list. How the matching works.