About the position
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights! 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of highly qualified composite technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at our Space Structures Complex.
- Coordinate build activities and progress through daily leadership meetings, addressing daily, weekly, and long-term levels.
- Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team.
- Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that decrease touch-time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk.
- Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility.
- Accountable for the team training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures, including use of proper PPE.
- 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.
Requirements
- 12+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, installation, or repair within a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Familiarity with hand, power, pneumatic, and inspection tools.
- Experience leading a team in a production environment.
Nice-to-haves
- Composite or lamination experience.
- Experienced in Core bond and Splicing.
- Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments.
- Advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
- Resin infusion knowledge.
- Experience working with material data sheets.
- Familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints.
- Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers.
- Experience training and mentoring composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes.
Benefits
- Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
- 11 paid holidays per year.
- Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Discounted employee stock purchase program.
- Free snacks/drinks onsite.
