Senior Supervisor, Quality Inspection

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. 

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR SUPERVISOR, QUALITY INSPECTION 

Based on-site at Rocket Lab in our Middle River, MD facility, we are looking for is an experienced inspection supervisor with a high level of attention to detail to detect anything related to the product that does not meet product standards and supervise a talented team of quality inspectors/metrology technicians. This is a rare opportunity to support building a team and lab from the ground up. We are looking for someone who embraces challenges and has clear communication skills. If you have a passion for aerospace and a track record of maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast-paced environment, you might be the inspection supervisor we are searching for. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO 

• Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts and assemblies. 
• Perform work in process quality inspections and final sign-off inspections to release product for flight. 
• Follow and create detailed work instructions if needed for receiving inspection for components/assemblies. 
• Highlight all concerns directly back to the engineering, quality and production team by thoroughly documenting issues and non-conformances in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in our internal quality monitoring systems (Issue tracking system) and Manufacturing execution system (MES) and/or ERP as applicable. 
• Follow up on calibration tracking and compliance to tool calibration system. 
• Embody a Built in Quality philosophy, consistently detecting non-conformances (Don’t accept a Defect – Don’t Pass a Defect) and preventing escapes to downstream customers. 
• Work with manufacturing and quality engineers and participate in root cause investigations and implementation of appropriate containment and corrective actions. 
•  Provide detailed feedback for production improvements to ensure high quality standards are maintained. 
• Collaborate with engineering and management to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the process. 
• Assist in the identification of failure modes through participation in PFMEAs and contribute ideas to eliminate the potential for future failures and/or participate to drive actions to completion. 
• Drive reliable data collection to help with statistical understanding of our products. 
• Create and maintain an efficient work schedule 
• Hire and supervise a team of quality inspectors and ensures all work is signed off appropriately 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelors Degree in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar) 
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing and quality environment - OR - 9+ years of experience in lieu of degree. 
• Deep understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and reading blueprints. 
• Experience with composites and mechanical assemblies including lamination, bonding, drilling, fastening, etc.
• Experience operating a laser scanner

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Inspection experience with aerospace propulsion components & assemblies. 
• Exp