Composite Technician I-III

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 to 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. The Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. 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.

About the Role

As a Composites Technician based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will support basic composite layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using precision tools. In this role, you will prepare parts for bagging with bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections, and perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing. This position can be hired at the Composites Technician I, Composites Technician II, or Composites Technician III level.

Responsibilities

• Assembly of structures including setup, bonding, and fastener applications
• Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials
• Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections
• Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
• Make basic layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales, and torque wrenches
• Fit Honeycomb, foam, and syntactic core
• Fit and refurbish thermal protection systems
• Integrate mechanical hardware
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques as demanded by aerospace, space, and other composite workplaces
• Work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required for all levels)
• For Composites Technician I: No prior experience required
• For Composites Technician II: 2+ years of experience with composites or laminations OR 2+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR 2+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, or repair of manufacturing equipment
• For Composites Technician III: 5+ years of experience with composites or laminations OR 5+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR 5+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, or repair of manufacturing equipment

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with composites or laminations
• Basic math skills
• Knowledge of or openness to training on the following tools:
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Caliper
  • Micrometers
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools
  • Precision measurement instruments
• Familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints
• Experience working with material data sheets
• Shop organization and cleanliness
• Use of personal protective equipment

Additional Requirements

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. 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 – minimum 8 hours
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and 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.

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.