R&D Technician I-III

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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

R&D TECHNICIAN I-III

Based out of Rocket Labs site in Albuquerque NM the R&D Technician is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment building and testing engineering parts and conducting experiments used to develop new space solar products. You will support R&D engineers in solving design problems related to the integration and assembly of space solar panels with the ultimate goal of realizing lower cost lighter weight more functional and higher performance space solar a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects delivering on the impossible and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: This position can be hired at the R&D Technician I R&D Technician II or R&D Technician III level)

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Make hands-on contributions to real hardware that operates in space.
• Participate in the development of leading space solar technology.
• Develop expertise in the use and maintenance of testing and manufacturing equipment:
• Setup and maintain lab space.
• Perform minor repairs and calibration of equipment.

• Develop and apply proficiency in assembling space solar panels specialized tooling and test articles:
• Configure and build new hardware.
• Create new work instructions and update existing ones.

• Perform experiments to support engineering projects involving:
• New materials
• New processes
• New equipment

• Lead the configuration of new products processes and test articles:
• Drawings
• Part numbers
• Work instructions.
• Hardware configuration documents
• Test plans.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A R&D TECHNICIAN I:

• High school diploma

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A R&D TECHNICIAN II:

• 2 years of technical experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• High school diploma

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A R&D TECHNICIAN III:

• 5 years of technical experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• High school diploma

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Associates degree in a two-year trade school or community college
• Experience in a high-tech manufacturing company or R&D laboratory.
• Proficiency operating and maintaining manufacturing or laboratory equipment.
• Experience with the assembly of solar panels.
• Experience with resistance welding equipment and processes.

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

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.