Supervisor, IQC

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

SUPERVISOR, IQC

As a Supervisor, IQC based at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring site, you’ll support the incoming quality control of satellite components that feed directly into spacecraft programs. In this role, you’ll lead and mentor the IQC team, drive process improvements, manage daily priorities, collaborate with product development, oversee metrology equipment, and ensure components meet strict spacecraft specifications. To be successful, you must be a detail‑driven, proactive leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and balances hands‑on inspection work with team development and process excellence. 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:

• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers and technicians responsible for Incoming Quality Control (IQC) of satellite components.
• Drive process improvements initiatives across all areas of IQC: procedures, tools, & designs achieving Business Unit goals.
• Monitor and report KPIs leveraging direct and indirect resources to meet and exceed targets.
• Manage daily priorities, team schedules and personnel assignments.
• Collaborate with product development team to ensure inspection best practices are integrated into new product designs
• Develop and refine SOPs and processes for specific parts and assemblies. 
• Travel to meet with vendors or customers about PSC products and quality standards.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of IQC metrology equipment: CMMs, calipers, micrometers, gages, comparators, hardness testers, and other common mechanical inspection tools.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical components to ensure compliance with specifications for traceable spacecraft assemblies. 
• Identify and implement training and professional development opportunities for team members.  
• Lead the onboarding process for new IQC members. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED 
• 10+ years of professional work experience

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• BS in STEM with 3+ years of inspection
• 10+ years of inspection experience 
• Passion for mechanisms and quality assurance. 
• Self-motivated with results-driven mindset to achieve team and organizational goals.  
• Capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
• At least 2 years’ experience managing a team of 5 or more people. 
• Experience programming in Calypso or other metrology software

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 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.