NoneOnsite · Aerospace

CNC Programmer

Rocket Lab · Auckland, NZ

Mission Brief

Core Responsibilities

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p> <p>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.</p></div><p> </p> <p><strong>MANUFACTURING</strong></p> <p>Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team is 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.</p> <p><strong>CNC PROGRAMMER</strong></p> <p>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!</p> <p><strong>WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Day-to-day machining of parts according to drawing specifications.</li> <li>Operate and maintain machinery, tooling and equipment.</li> <li>Develop, simulate, and execute toolpath NC files using NX CAM.</li> <li>Design and create holding fixtures as needed.</li> <li>Perform visual quality checks and measurements using GD&T standards.</li> <li>Maintain inventory of spares and consumables for efficient reordering</li> </ul> <p><strong>YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Trade qualified in relevant industry</li> <li>8+ years of relevant industry experience</li> <li>Proven expertise in CNC machining and CAM programming (ideally NX CAM).</li> <li>Strong knowledge of GD&T and measurement instruments.</li> <li>Self-sufficient in low-run job-shop machining and precision mechanical assembly.</li> <li>Comfortable working to exacting standards.</li> <li>Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.</li> <li>Computer literacy and familiarity with smartphones/tablets</li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong><strong>THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: </strong></p> <ul> <li>5-axis machining experience.</li> <li>Ability to work effectively in a team environment and autonomously.</li> <li>High work ethic, initiative, and ability to remain calm under pressure.</li> </ul> <p> </p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p>Important information:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p> <p><em>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 <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e=">here</a>.</em></p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p><em>Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at <a href="mailto:g.biow@rocketlabusa.com">g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.</a>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.</em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p> <p><em>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. </em></p> <p><em>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 <a class="fui-Link ___m14voj0 f3rmtva f1ern45e f1deefiw f1n71otn f1q5o8ev f1h8hb77 f1vxd6vx f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f9n3di6 f1ids18y fygtlnl f1deo86v f12x56k7 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f50u1b5 fs3pq8b f1hghxdh f1tymzes f1x7u7e9 f1cmlufx f10aw75t fsle3fq" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii" target="_blank">ITAR Regulations.</a></em></p></div>

Keep Searching

Related Roles

Same clearance, employer, or industry segment. Compare fit before you apply.

78% MatchNoneRemote · Defense Infrastructure

Controller

Vannevar Labs · Remote

Similar skills: ato, clearance · Same clearance: None

Controller — Remote in Remote. Clearance: None.

View Role
74% MatchNoneOnsite · Defense Infrastructure

Asset Improvement Lead

Anduril Industries · Verified · Costa Mesa, California, United States

Similar skills: ato, aws, clearance · Same clearance: None

Asset Improvement Lead — Onsite in Costa Mesa, California, United States. Clearance: None.

View Role
74% MatchNoneOnsite · Defense Infrastructure

Arsenal-1 Operations Lead

Anduril Industries · Verified · Costa Mesa, California, United States

Similar skills: ato, aws, clearance · Same clearance: None

Arsenal-1 Operations Lead — Onsite in Costa Mesa, California, United States. Clearance: None.

View Role
74% MatchNoneOnsite · Defense Infrastructure

Account Director, Maritime

Anduril Industries · Verified · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Similar skills: ato, aws, clearance · Same clearance: None

Account Director, Maritime — Onsite in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Clearance: None.

View Role
74% MatchNoneOnsite · Defense Infrastructure

Account Director, Maritime

Anduril Industries · Verified · Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Similar skills: ato, aws, clearance · Same clearance: None

Account Director, Maritime — Onsite in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Clearance: None.

View Role
72% MatchNoneOnsite · Defense Infrastructure

2027 Mechanical Engineer Intern

Anduril Industries · Verified · Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Broomfield, Colorado, United States; Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States; Costa Mesa, California, United States; Fort Colli

Similar skills: ato, aws, clearance · Same clearance: None

2027 Mechanical Engineer Intern — Onsite in Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Broomfield, Colorado, United States; Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States; Costa Mesa, California, United States; Fort Colli. Clearance: None.

View Role