Quality Inspector 2 - NDT
About the job
- At least 2 years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or a similar industry.
- Hands-on experience performing penetrant testing and visual testing inspections in aerospace.
- Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high-strength aluminum alloys, precipitation-hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and maraging steels.
- Working knowledge of AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM standards.
- High school diploma or GED.
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector certification.
- NDT Level I or II in penetrant testing per NAS 410, ASNT, or equivalent.
- NDT Level I or II in visual testing per NAS 410, ASNT, or equivalent.
- Ability to stand and walk for the entire shift of 8 or more hours on various work surfaces.
- Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed.
- Ability to perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
- Ability to use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to 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.
- Must meet U.S. space technology export-control eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, qualifying refugee or asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. authorizations.
- Partner with engineering, production, and manufacturing teams to develop and improve non-destructive testing processes, acceptance criteria, and standard operating procedures, and eliminate non-conforming product.
- Coordinate the daily activities of the non-destructive testing team to keep inspection operations efficient and effective.
- Perform and evaluate advanced penetrant testing and visual testing inspections on components, assemblies, and welds to detect defects and determine acceptability to specification.
- Apply non-destructive testing techniques to complex geometries and advanced materials.
- Support research and development efforts for qualification and certification of critical processes.
- Ensure inspections comply with applicable AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM standards.
- Maintain accurate inspection records in accordance with the quality management system.
- Stay current on advancements in non-destructive testing technology and techniques to continuously improve inspection capabilities.
About the company
Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Long Beach, California
Founded
2006
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 24, 2026, Iridium holders approved Rocket Lab’s $8 billion acquisition.
- Rocket Lab funded the deal with $1.944 billion ATM proceeds on September 15, 2026.
- Synspective booked 20 Electron launches, and Rocket Lab completed mission 97 on September 25, 2026.
What critics are saying
- Neutron still lacks a launch date after the August 10, 2026 pad-delivery slip.
- A January tank rupture already delayed Neutron, and another failure destroys 2027 timing.
- The Iridium deal adds integration risk, dilution, and a satellite-operator distraction from launch execution.
What makes Rocket Lab USA unique
- Electron’s 96 flights and Synspective’s perfect record prove rare launch cadence.
- Rocket Lab’s Space Systems sells solar, separation, and satellite hardware to 1,100+ spacecraft.
- Neutron and HASTE span reusable medium-lift launch and hypersonic defense missions.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Flexible Spending Account
Company Equity
Wellness Program
Phone/Internet Stipend
Childcare Support
Gym Membership
Employee Discounts
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 0%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↓ -1%Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock price could surpass $100 before 2029, analyst predicts. Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB) has a credible path back to triple-digit territory within the next two years, according to a recent analysis by Motley Fool contributor Daniel Sparks. Rocket Lab stock closed above $100 as recently as early July, meaning a return to that level would represent a rebound rather than uncharted ground for investors. The stock currently trades around $74, meaning the projected move to $100 would represent a gain of approximately 35%, or roughly 14% annually over just over two years. The company's backlog reached a record $2.36 billion at midyear, up 137% year over year, signaling that a substantial portion of future revenue is already under contract. Rocket Lab began August with around 598 million common shares outstanding, with a September share sale adding another 29.3 million shares to that count. An additional 41 million or so preferred shares can convert to common stock, further influencing the total share count and any valuation calculation. Iridium shareholders are also set to receive a portion of their acquisition payment in Rocket Lab stock when the deal closes, which the two companies expect to occur in mid-2027. Taken together, these factors bring the total share count to approximately 700 million, placing Rocket Lab's market value near $70 billion at the $100 price level, compared to roughly $49 billion today. The market previously valued Rocket Lab at $151 per share as recently as late May, demonstrating that investors have already shown willingness to price in aggressive long-term growth expectations. However, Sparks identifies several conditions that still need to go right, noting that the company's larger reusable rocket, Neutron, has not yet flown, the Iridium deal has not yet closed, and the company continues to post losses. Despite his bullish long-term outlook, Sparks stopped short of issuing a buy recommendation, stating that today's price around $74 already prices in years of successful execution. The analysis underscores a broader tension in high-growth space stocks, where strong order backlogs and ambitious development timelines must be weighed carefully against ongoing cash burn and execution risk.
Rocket Lab shares have dropped 51% from their 52-week high of $151, but analyst Pierre Ferragu of New Street Research has set a Street-high price target of $150, implying roughly 104% upside. The stock currently trades at $73.61, with a consensus Wall Street target of $109.37. The decline stems from delays to Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket, which saw its launch window narrow after a stage-1 tank test failure. Delivery to the pad is now targeted for Q4 2026. The company also pulled $1.08 billion through its ATM programme in Q2, raising dilution concerns. Ferragu's bullish thesis centres on Neutron commercialisation at $50 to $55 million per flight, growing government contracts including a $397 million Space Force award, and the pending Iridium Communications acquisition. Rocket Lab maintains a $2.36 billion backlog.
Global government bond yields near 4% are reshaping investor thinking about risk and resilience, drawing attention to aerospace and defence suppliers at the intersection of security priorities and long-term government spending. General Electric, now focused as GE Aerospace, generates the bulk of its revenue from Commercial Engines & Services at about US$37.7 billion, with Defense & Propulsion Technologies adding roughly US$11.5 billion. The business carries a market value near US$331.2 billion. Its defence backlog stands above US$30 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.7x. Rocket Lab combines launch services with satellite hardware, generating about US$544 million from Space Systems and roughly US$225 million from Launch Services. The company carries a market value near US$42.1 billion.
Rocket Lab holds $2.4 billion in cash and has booked a $2.36 billion order book, yet trades at 58.9 times sales compared to the S&P 500's 3.1 times. The company's market valuation of $45.3 billion appears to hinge on Neutron, its larger rocket that hasn't yet flown. The company has flown 96 Electron missions, its smaller rocket. Neutron is priced at $50 million to $55 million per launch and has already secured customers, including Kepler Communications. Launch Services generated roughly $200 million over the past twelve months, representing 26% of total revenue. Space Systems, the satellite-building division, accounts for the larger portion. About four Neutron launches annually would match current launch revenue. The company burned $110.1 million in cash during Q2 whilst narrowing operating losses to 29% of revenue from 69% three years ago. The stock has declined 24% over three months.
Redwire and Rocket Lab are positioned as alternative plays in the growing space industry, with both companies potentially doubling by 2027. Redwire focuses on space infrastructure and defence technology, supplying spacecraft platforms, satellite components, and power systems to government and defence customers. The company is expanding its Huntsville campus by 164,000 square feet for manufacturing and engineering capacity. It also announced its first commercial SpaceMD mission on SpaceX's Starfall spacecraft for pharmaceutical development in space. Rocket Lab operates beyond its Electron rocket, building satellites for the US government, including Space Force programmes. The company plans its first Neutron reusable medium-lift rocket launch within 12 months. Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire satellite communications company Iridium, with the deal expected to close in mid-2027 pending regulatory approvals and has completed financing for the cash portion.