Test Operations Electrical Technician I/II

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 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. 

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! 

TEST OPERATIONS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN I/II 

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Test Operations Electrical Technician is responsible for helping build and operate critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicle.  You will become skilled in Test Operations roles and be expected to work in collaboration with a team of other technicians and engineers in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation and engine test efforts. 

Please note: We are currently hiring for the following shifts: B Shift (Monday - Thursday, 3PM to 1:30AM) and C Shift (Thursday - Sunday, 5AM to 3:30PM). This position can be hired at the Technician I or Technician II levels. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Install, maintain, and repair electrical components, systems, machinery and control panels including cable trays, panel building, and pipe bending.
• Troubleshoot, identify, and resolve electrical issues using appropriate testing devices and techniques to minimize downtime and ensure operation efficiency.
• Ensure all electrical systems comply with local, state, and national electrical codes and safety regulations.
• Collaborate as part of a team or independently to complete projects, often collaborating with engineers and other technical staff.
• Document, read, and interpret technical diagrams, blueprints, and schematics to understand electrical systems and components. 
• Be personally responsible for your safety and for those around you 
• Work hands on with check out, calibration and functional testing of instrumentation and control systems for high pressure and cryogenic fluid systems involving valves, regulators, flow meters and other plumbing elements 
• Help to stand up a test facility control room 
• Maintain situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity 
• Both lead and be part of a team of technicians and engineers who set up and operate the test facility 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL I TECHNICIAN  

• 2+years demonstrated experience in test operations or in designing, building and activating test facilities.  
• Familiarity with various Programmable Logic Controller platforms 
• Knowledge of processes for electrical and data systems in regulated environment 
• Demonstrated experience with facility wiring and electrical installation 
• Understanding of instrumentation typical for rocket engine testing, including flow meters, thermocouples, accelerometers, etc. 
• General knowledge of distributed I/O systems including POe cameras, communication platforms, etc. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL II TECHNICIAN  

• 5+years demonstrated experience in test operations or in designing, building and activating test facilities.  
• Familiarity with various Programmable Logic Controller platforms 
• Knowledge of processes for electrical and data systems in regulated environment 
• Demonstrated experience with facility wiring and electrical installation 
• Understanding of instrumentation typical for rocket engine testing, including flow meters, thermocouples, accelerometers, etc. 
• General knowledge of distributed I/O systems including POe cameras, communication platforms, etc. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Electrical journeymen license or related vocational education 
• Additional experience operating and/or building large industrial complexes 
• Post-secondary education that might include technical degrees or licenses (A&P or similar) 
• Experience with rocket engines or launch vehicles or similar aerospace hardware 
• Experience operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane 
• Demonstrated ability to be assertive in a fast-paced operations environment and stand up for what you know is right 
• Ability to trouble shoot systems and collaborate to develop corrective work instructions 
• Basic computer skills in MS Office, email, collaborative networks like JIRA or CONFLUENCE 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time  
• Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents  
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.  
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environment  
• Must be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering 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 View email address on swooped.co. 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.