Composite 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN I-III

As a Composites Technician based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support basic composite layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using precision tools. In this role you will work on preparing parts for bagging with bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections, and performing vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

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. 

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Composites Technician I, Composites Technician II, or Composites Technician III level)   

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN I:

• High School Diploma or GED  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years of experience with composites or laminations 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  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN III:

• 5+ years of experience with composites or laminations OR 
• 5+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR 
• 5+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment 
• High School Diploma or GED  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS ARE NICE TO HAVE:

• 8+ years of experience with composites or laminations
• 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 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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

#RL1

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.