AFP Operator 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 to 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.

AFP OPERATOR

Rocket Lab is building parts with the worlds largest post-style automated fiber placement machine (AFP) at our Space Structures Complex in Middle River. As anAFP Operator youll get to build some of the largest carbon fiber composite fuselage structures ever made using cutting-edge technologies and space grade materials.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Set up calibrate maintain and operate the Rocket Lab Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine to manufacture large carbon fiber structures for the Neutron Rocket.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on AFP machine parts and subassemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Programming teams to drive continuous process improvements.
• Work with the facilities team to ensure all equipment remains safe efficient and operational.
• Train on new processes and assist in transitioning new components to AFP manufacturing.
• Load and unload composite tooling and molds from the AFP machine.
• Gain hands-on experience diagnosing defects performing rework and splice repairs and loading/unloading composite materials onto the AFP machine while ensuring proper alignment and placement during the lamination process.
• Contribute to the creation and resolution of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Document machine stoppages reference Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and follow detailed Work Instructions.
• Provide support for additional build activities across the site as needed.

(This position can be hired as a AFP Operator I AFP Operator II AFP Operator III or Senior AFP Operator)

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR I:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals fractions and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g. calipers micrometers gauges).

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR II:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2 years of experience in machining or composites manufacturing.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals fractions and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g. calipers micrometers gauges).

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR III:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 5 years of experience in composites production and manufacturing including expertise in filament winding Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and related processes.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals fractions and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g. calipers micrometers gauges).

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR AFP OPERATOR:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 8 years of experience in composites production and manufacturing including expertise in filament winding Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and related processes.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals fractions and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g. calipers micrometers gauges).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Associates degree in a technical field
• Skilled in reading and interpreting technical drawings and production documentation
• Hands-on experience in setting up and operating filament winding or AFP machines
• Proficient in operating CNC or robotic equipment
• Background in the aerospace industry
• Familiarity with industrial support equipment including scissor lifts and boom lifts
• Certified in crane and forklift operation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand and walk extended periods ( 8 hours) on production floor
• Perform repetitive motions including grasping bending twisting reaching pushing and pulling
• Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
• Lift carry push and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with noise moving machinery and varying environmental conditions
• Flexibility to work extended hours weekends and varied shifts as operational needs require

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 here ITAR Regulations.