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Operator III/IV, Production

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS  

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions. 

OPERATOR III/IV, PRODUCTION

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we’re looking for Operator, Production to join our production team and work in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment. Rocket Lab is a leading provider of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products or satellite and aerospace applications. We’re the world’s only vertically integrated, end-to-end supplier of satellite solar arrays – our space solar products have powered over 1,000 satellites in orbit to date! 

We have openings that support a variety of different teams, such as Solar Panel Production, Composites Fab Production, and Cell Fab Production. We also offer numerous different assigned shifts: 

  • A-Shift: 6:00am-6:30pm Sunday-Tuesday alternating Wednesdays
  • B-shift: 6:00am-6:30pm Thursday-Saturday alternating Wednesdays 
  • C-Shift: 6:00pm-6:30am Sunday-Tuesday and alternating Saturday 
  • D-Shift: 6:00pm-6:30am Wednesday- Friday and alternating Saturdays 
  • 4/10 Shift: Monday-Thursday, 10-hour shifts 

Note: you’ll have an assigned shift, but the training hours may vary from that when you start. Certain shifts may qualify for a shift differential on the base pay, depending on the hours and schedule.  

(Please note: these positions can be hired at the Operator III or Operator IV level) 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

  • Perform a variety of functions in the production of semiconductor devices, as well as specific process steps in the assembly and test of production units 
  • Set up and prepare work station/assembly fixtures 
  • Read and comprehend basic drawings and schematics 
  • Identify failure discrepancies per visual and/or written descriptions 
  • Utilize visual aides such as microscopes, visors, and eye loops 
  • Utilize computer hardware and software, including MS Office 
  • Collect and record data 
  • Read and comprehend instructions, short correspondences, and memos 
  • Work with various kinds of test equipment 
  • You may be required to operate UV curing systems and thermal curing ovens, as well as measure and pour chemicals, depending on the team/shift you support 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS OPERATOR III, PRODUCTION: 

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • 5+ years of work experience in a production or manufacturing environment, or other highly regulated industry 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS OPERATOR IV, PRODUCTION: 

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • 8+ years of work experience in a production or manufacturing environment, or other highly regulated industry 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

  • Knowledge of ESD and cleanroom procedures
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to hear and speak effectively before groups of customers and employees
  • Capable of multitasking, and working with cross-functional teams
  • Experience with computing rate, ratio, and percentages; as well as drawing and interpreting bar graphs 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position  
  • 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 – 10 hours min   
  • Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus 
  • Manual dexterity to manipulate multiple operations under a microscope, including assembly and testing of small assemblies required along with regular use of hands 
  • Exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals which require adherence to exposure safety protocols, procedures and instructions 
  • Must be able to detect and respond promptly and without assistance to equipment and plant safety alarms 
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

#RL1

 

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.

 

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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.
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