Technician
Posted 15 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Technician - Materials Development and Testing (Neutron)”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 2+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyMaterials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology (or related)
Study levelAssociate degree
CertificationsBachelor’s Degree
Field of studyEngineering, Materials Science
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. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
ABOUT TECHNICIANS AT ROCKET LAB
Every rocket we launch depends on materials that won't fail. As a technician working on Materials Development and Testing for Neutron, you'll push metals and composites to their limits, testing the samples that prove our rockets are ready for space.
Space tests everything. You test it first.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Prepare test specimens - cut, machine, and prepare composite and metallic specimens to be tested to international standards (ASTM D3039, E8, and similar) using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface prep equipment
- Build test articles - from composites, metallics, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing
- Fit instrumentation - apply strain gauges, extensometers, thermocouples, and RTDs to samples
- Bond specimens & assemble fixtures - attach end tabs and metal fixtures (lap shear, fracture toughness) using the right adhesives and curing procedures
- Condition specimens - in environmental chambers per test requirements
- Test & Characterize Materials – execute a variety of mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests using commercial and development equipment
- Document everything - specimen geometry, fibre orientation, batch numbers, and processing, keeping full traceability throughout
- Support development – collaborate with development engineers to design and implement tailored test methodologies for non-standard characterization