Test Operations Mechanical Technician II, III, Senior

About The Role

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. 

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. 

TEST OPERATIONS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II, III or SENIOR – C & D SHIFT

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Test Operations Mechanical 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 test efforts.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Build facility systems of tubing, piping and mechanical structures
• Use knowledge and skills to build mechanical systems that adhere to standards of integrity and cleanliness
• Directly support rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations
• Operate high pressure gas and cryogenic systems using detailed work instructions and proper PPE
• Perform facility checkout and test operations safely while maintaining situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity
• Perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
• Work hand in hand with the GSE teams to complete design, build, installation and checkout of facility systems.  Provide your expertise in system layout, system operations and test processes

(This position can be hired as a Technician II, III or Senior level)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS TEST OPERATIONS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High School diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• A background in collaborative work to accomplish difficult tasks
• Experience with high pressure gas and cryogenic systems

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS TEST OPERATIONS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN III:

• 5+ years experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High School diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• A background in collaborative work to accomplish difficult tasks
• Experience with high pressure gas and cryogenic systems

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR TEST OPERATIONS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN:

• 8+ years experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High School diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• A background in collaborative work to accomplish difficult tasks
• Experience with high pressure gas and cryogenic systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Experience operating and/or building rocket engine test stands or large industrial complexes
• Knowledge of broad industry processes for pressure systems and cleanliness. i.e. (NASA, US Air Force, Department of Defense, ASME or other regulatory agency).
• 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
• Knowledge of different valve types, fitting and flange types, materials of construction
• 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
• Demonstrated experience working with various trade disciplines, fabricators and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Willing to work C shift (Thursday - Sunday 5:00am - 3:30pm) and/or D shift (Thursday - Sunday 3:00pm - 1:30am)
• 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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.