Quality Inspector I/II

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 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

QUALITY INSPECTOR I/II
Based at Rocket Lab's site in Toronto, Canada, the Quality Inspector will be responsible for inspection and verification of precision spacecraft attitude determination and control products, which are comprised of mechanical, electrical, and optical subassemblies. The successful candidate will inspect and/or verify a variety of components and subassemblies from Rocket Lab's reaction wheel and star tracker product lines. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Quality Inspector I or Quality Inspector II level.)
What You'll Get To Do

• Visual inspection of assembled printed circuit boards (PCAs)
• Inspection, dimensional verification, and fit check of machined and 3D printed components
• Visual inspection of staking compounds (epoxy and/or Loctite) applied to electrical components, threaded fasteners, or other parts.
• Functional testing of reaction wheel and star tracker subassemblies and units
• Xray inspection of integrated optical subassemblies
• Xray inspection of PCB assemblies (PCAs)
• Final inspection (mass and photography) of parts, subassemblies, and integrated units
• Generation and review of End-Item Data Packages for completed units
• Durometer measurements of cured epoxy samples
• Documentation of all activities and collected data

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A QUALITY INSPECTOR I:

• Experience with quality inspection of electrical assemblies
• Current or prior inspection certification to IPC-A-610 Class 3, IPC-J-STD-001, or a related standard
• HS Diploma or GED

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A QUALITY INSPECTOR II:

• 2+ years of experience with quality inspection of electrical assemblies
• Current or prior inspection certification to IPC-A-610 Class 3, IPC-J-STD-001, or a related standard
• HS Diploma or GED

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Current or prior certification to the Space Addendum of J-STD-001
• Ability to use digital or analog calipers/micrometer/dial gauge to measure critical dimensions
• Ability to use an optical microscope (4-20x magnification range)
• Ability to interpret and follow technical instructions supplemented by verbal instruction
• Familiarity with cleanroom/cleanbench best practices
• Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD-sensitive hardware
• Familiarity with PCA assembly processes
• Proactive, enthusiastic, self-motivated and open to learning new skills.
• Highly organized and able to work independently with strong attention to detail

Additional Requirements

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

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 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.