Composite Technician - all levels

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. 

COMPOSITE TECHNICIAN I-SENIOR

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, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$22—$40 USD

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.