CNC Programmer
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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.
MANUFACTURING
Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.
CNC PROGRAMMER
Based in Auckland, this is your opportunity to take a leading role in Rocket Lab’s Fabrication and Machining team, shaping the future of space exploration! As a senior expert in manual and CNC machining, you’ll be hands-on in creating precision aerospace components for launch vehicles, Space Systems, and cutting-edge R&D projects. From programming and operating CNC machines to crafting high-tolerance parts, your work will drive prototype development and flight-critical hardware production, all while ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Day-to-day machining of parts according to drawing specifications.
- Operate and maintain machinery, tooling and equipment.
- Develop, simulate, and execute toolpath NC files using NX CAM.
- Design and create holding fixtures as needed.
- Perform visual quality checks and measurements using GD&T standards.
- Maintain inventory of spares and consumables for efficient reordering
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Trade qualified in relevant industry
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience
- Proven expertise in CNC machining and CAM programming (ideally NX CAM).
- Strong knowledge of GD&T and measurement instruments.
- Self-sufficient in low-run job-shop machining and precision mechanical assembly.
- Comfortable working to exacting standards.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Computer literacy and familiarity with smartphones/tablets
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 5-axis machining experience.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and autonomously.
- High work ethic, initiative, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
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.
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 15 questions · 1 written answer
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Location
Short answers (5)
- What is your country of birth?
- If the country is not included in the list, please specify: (Enter N/A if not applicable)
- If the country is not included in the list, please specify: (Enter N/A if not applicable)
- If you currently hold a visa or working holiday visa, please provide your visa details. (i.e. visa expiry dates/conditions)
- What are your salary expectations?
Pick from a list (9)
- Rocket Lab is required to comply with US export compliance laws & regulations including the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations restrict whom Rocket Lab can share materials with, and whom can receive those materials. This includes hardware, technical data, and defense services. Access to these materials is required for employment at Rocket Lab; being unable to meet these export compliance requirements means that you will be ineligible for employment at Rocket Lab. Do you consent to Rocket Lab requesting information regarding citizenships, passports and visas?
- What citizenships do you hold? Select all that apply.
- What citizenships have you previously held? Select all that apply.
- Are you legally entitled to work in New Zealand?
- How did you hear about this opportunity?
- Highest level of education/qualification completed.
- Do you have any previous or pending criminal convictions or charges (including drink or drug-related driving convictions) but not including any concealed under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act?
- Are you able to commit to working Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM in this role? optional
- Any offer of employment with Rocket Lab is contingent on a successful criminal background check and successful reference checks. Please indicate below if you can meet these hiring requirements.
Written answers (1)
- Which types of CNC machines have you worked with before? optional