AFP Operator

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.  

AFP OPERATOR  

Rocket Lab is building parts with the world's largest post-style automated fiber placement machine (AFP) at our Space Structures Complex in Middle River. As an AFP Operator, you’ll get to build some of the largest carbon fiber composite fuselage structures ever made using cutting-edge technologies and space grade materials.    

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:   

• Set up, calibrate, maintain, and operate the Rocket Lab Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine to manufacture large carbon fiber structures for the Neutron Rocket.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on AFP machine parts and subassemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Programming teams to drive continuous process improvements.
• Work with the facilities team to ensure all equipment remains safe, efficient, and operational.
• Train on new processes and assist in transitioning new components to AFP manufacturing.
• Load and unload composite tooling and molds from the AFP machine.
• Gain hands-on experience diagnosing defects, performing rework and splice repairs, and loading/unloading composite materials onto the AFP machine while ensuring proper alignment and placement during the lamination process.
• Contribute to the creation and resolution of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Document machine stoppages, reference Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and follow detailed Work Instructions.
• Provide support for additional build activities across the site as needed.

(This position can be hired as a AFP Operator I, AFP Operator II, AFP Operator III, or Senior AFP Operator)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR I:   

• High School Diploma or GED 
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes. 
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T. 
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions). 
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).  

 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR II:   

• High School Diploma or GED 
• 2+ years of experience in machining or composites manufacturing.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes. 
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T. 
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions). 
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges). 

 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR III:   

• High School Diploma or GED 
• 5+ years of experience in composites production and manufacturing, including expertise in filament winding, Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), and related processes.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes. 
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T. 
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions). 
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges). 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR AFP OPERATOR:   

• High School Diploma or GED 
• 8+ years of experience in composites production and manufacturing, including expertise in filament winding, Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), and related processes.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes. 
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T. 
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions). 
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges). 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Associate’s degree in a technical field
• Skilled in reading and interpreting technical drawings and production documentation
• Hands-on experience in setting up and operating filament winding or AFP machines
• Proficient in operating CNC or robotic equipment
• Background in the aerospace industry
• Familiarity with industrial support equipment, including scissor lifts and boom lifts
• Certified in crane and forklift operation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Willing to work Friday - Saturday (7:00 am - 7:00 pm est OR 7:00 pm - 7:00 am est) 
• Stand and walk extended periods ( 8+ hours) on production floor 
• Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions 
• 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)$20—$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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.