Orbital Tube Welder II/III - B Shift

rocketlab

Long Beach, CA · Long Beach · United States

Posted Aug 21, 2026

Other
On-site
2425 USA Machine Shop

Apply on company site

Job description

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.

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!

ORBITAL TUBE WELDER II/III - B SHIFT

Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California the Orbital Tube Welder will weld and fabricate various fluid systems and sub-assembly components for the Rutherford and Archimedes Rocket engines.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Orbital Tube Welder II or Orbital Tube Welder III level)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Develop weld schedules for OTW from tubing sizes ranging from 1/4" to 6".
Perform tube bending, flaring, fit up, and preparation to meet project specifications and industry standards
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to execute tubing projects accurately.
Operate and maintain orbital tube welding equipment (e.g., Orbitalum or AMI systems) to ensure high-quality welds.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A ORBITAL TUBE WELDER II:

2+ years of OTW experience in aviation, aerospace, or similar industry
Experience working with tubing sizes ranging from 1/4" to 6".
High school diploma or GED.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A ORBITAL TUBE WELDER III:

5+ years of OTW experience in aviation, aerospace, or similar industry
Experience with OTW machines or automated fabrication equipment.
Knowledge of NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) processes to inspect and verify the integrity of tubing and welds.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

8+ years of OTW experience in aviation, aerospace, or similar industry
Certification in welding or tube fabrication.
Familiarity with industry standards such as ASME or ISO.
Solid understanding of NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) processes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Willing to work Monday - Thursday (3:15pm - 1:45am)
Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces 
Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed 
Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping 
Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment 
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs. 
Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery 
Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

#RL1

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$25—$35 USD

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.