Composite Technician all levels

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 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 rockethas 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 Labs proven execution history with the Electron program.

COMPOSITE TECHNICIAN I-IV

Composite Technicians will be based out of Rocket Labs 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 YOULL 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 Senior or IV.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSITE TECH I:

• Minimum 1 years of 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSITE TECH II:

• Minimum 3 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR COMPOSITE TECH:

• Minimum 6 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSITE TECH IV:

• Minimum 12 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:

• 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

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.