Composite Development Technician

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. 

Composite Development Technician- All Levels

Composite Development Technicians will be based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. Composite Development Technicians are specialists with key skills in composite process development, ability to work with highly complex laminates and bonded joints, and ability to perform highly complex composite repair work. The Composite Development Technicians will be responsible for the most critical development work for the build and assembly of Composite components used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure, as well as key repairs, modifications, and upgrades required to ensure our launch vehicle is continuously improving.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:   

• Work with manufacturing engineering to develop advanced manufacturing processes for: complex laminates, challenging bonded joints, and large structural assemblies. 

• Development of techniques and methods to streamline the  assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications  

• Composite layup of highly complex laminates, including development of methods to ensure accurate placement of plies, inserts, honeycomb core, etc. 

• Application of advanced measurement techniques to ensure proper reference points and adherence to drawing datum structure, including definitions in rework or repair documentation. 

• Integration of mechanical hardware to a high degree of precision. Includes re-installation, repair (e.g. fastener up-sizing), and precision drilling through both carbon fiber and multi-material stacks.   

• 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 DEVELOPMENT TECH I:  

• Experience in composite component R&D, military equipment composite repair and maintenance (military or civilian
• High School Diploma or GED 
• Experience using various hand and power tools 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSITE DEVELOPMENT TECH II:  

• 2+ years of experience in composite component R&D, military equipment composite repair and maintenance (military or civilian
• High School Diploma or GED 
• Experience using various hand and power tools 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSITE DEVELOPMENT TECH III:  

• 5+ years of experience in composite component R&D, military equipment composite repair and maintenance (military or civilian
• High School Diploma or GED 
• Experience using various hand and power tools 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR SENIOR COMPOSITE DEVELOPMENT TECH:  

• 8+ years of experience in composite component R&D, military equipment composite repair and maintenance (military or civilian
• High School Diploma or GED 
• Experience using various hand and power tools 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:   

• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing 
• Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments 
• 5+ years composite experience
• 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)$27—$55 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.