Composite Technician - all levels

Composite Technician - All Levels

Middle River, MD

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.

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.

Composite Technicians will be based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Composite Technicians will be responsible for the build and assembly of Composite components used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

What You'll Get To Do:

• 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
• Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches
• Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core
• Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.
• Integration of mechanical hardware
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as industries such as aerospace, space and other composite workplaces demand.
• You may be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

Note: This requisition can be hired at a Technician Level I, II, III, OR SENIOR

You'll Bring These Qualifications For Composite Tech I:

• Knowledge of or experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 2+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 2+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic Math Skills
• Knowledge of the following tool use (or if no previous experience, open to training on):
• 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

You'll Bring These Qualifications For Composite Tech II:

• Minimum 2+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 4+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 4+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be certified or able to become certified in two composite work centers
• Intermediate Math Skills
• Experience in the use of the following tools to achieve complex composite assemblies:
• 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

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Composite Tech III:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 7+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 7+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composite work centers
• Intermediate Math Skills
• Significant on the job experience of the following tool use to achieve complex composite assemblies:
• 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

You'll Bring These Qualifications For Senior Composite Tech:

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 13+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 13+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers
• Intermediate Math Skills
• Experience training and mentoring newer composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes
• Expert knowledge of the following tool use and demonstrated capability to apply them to achieve complex composite assemblies:
• 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

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing
• Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments
• 1+ years composite experience (aerospace industry experience preferred)
• Advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge
• Resin infusion knowledge

Additional Requirements:

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• 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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills,