Lead, Mechanical Technician

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! 

LEAD, MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN 

The role of Mechanical Technician is key to building, testing, implementing and maintaining the support infrastructure needed for both the Neutron and Electron Launch vehicles. With a focus on fluid and mechanical systems, you will be part of a tight-knit team of technicians to build, integrate, test, and maintain critical launch systems. You will work with other team leads to maintain Rocket Lab's high standards of quality and workmanship, promoting a culture of attention to detail, work ethic and excellence. You may be working autonomously in a specific work area and/or mentoring a group of Technicians and/or Apprentices. You will be responsible for producing and signing off flight support hardware, validating the quality of the product and ensuring no fault are passed downstream.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO TO DO: 

• Participate in team of technicians dedicated to building a state of the launch pad for Neutron Launch Vehicle.

• Lead daily activities for up to 10 technicians to ensure pad systems are ready and maintained for operations. 

• Contribute to workflow best practices and the implementation of SOPs for all aspects of mechanical and fluids systems build. 

• Ensure tasks are completed on time and to quality standards. 

• Provide support on other operations as needed to assist in overall Rocket Lab program success.

• Be a leader in 5S ensuring the team is following SOPs. 

• Continued improvement of preventative maintenance and inspection procedures.

• Routine maintenance and upgrades of the launch pad systems and support tooling.

• Fit out, assembly and installation of launch pad systems to support launch operations including: 

• • As needed Precision cleaning of critical components.

• • Install and removal of various fluid systems and components including tubing and piping systems.

• • Troubleshooting mechanical and fluid systems issues as needed.

• • Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams for vehicle integration, testing and preparation for launch ops.

• Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEAD, MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN: 

• 12+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Manufacturing and integration of complex fluid systems. 

• Reading and understanding of fluid system P&ID symbols. 

• Reading and understanding of mechanical drawings. 

• Tube bending and flaring. 

• Operation of high-pressure gas systems.

• Hydraulic and pneumatic system operations and components.

• Communication and data management.

• Familiarity with LOTO best practices.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Leading small teams.

• Welding and light fabrication.

• Operating cryogenic fluid systems.

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.