Senior Mechanical Technician
About The Position
The Senior Mechanical Technician will help build Neutron facilities and support the test and first-launch campaign for Rocket Lab’s Neutron launch vehicle. As part of a close-knit technician team, the role contributes to building, integrating, testing, operating, and maintaining the Neutron launch vehicle and ground-system assets. The work focuses primarily on fabricating mechanical subsystems and fluid systems for test and launch sites, including launch-pad system fit-out, assembly, installation, initial fluid-system build and commissioning, precision cleaning when needed, and mechanical troubleshooting. The technician may support or lead daily activities for up to three to five technicians, contribute to launch-pad workflows and best practices, ensure work meets schedule and quality standards, and assist with other launch-operations integration activities. The role collaborates with Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, California; and Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least 8 years of experience in an aerospace, industrial, or relevant industry environment.
- Experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, and/or fluid components.
- Previous experience assembling large structures and mechanisms.
- Knowledge and skill in using hand, power, and measurement tools used in mechanical construction.
- Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
- Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed.
- Ability to perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
- Ability to use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to work in production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery.
- Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.
Nice To Haves
- Ability to read, understand, and follow detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions.
- Experience using heavy equipment such as overhead cranes, forklifts, and boom lifts.
- Understanding of pneumatic, cryogenic, and/or hydraulic fluid systems.
- Basic understanding of pressure, temperature, and flow-measurement instrumentation.
Responsibilities
- Fabricate mechanical subsystems for Neutron test and launch sites, primarily fluid-system components.
- Support and, as needed, lead daily activities for up to three to five technicians to meet vehicle integration schedules and support launch-pad operations.
- Contribute to workflows and best practices for launch-pad operations.
- Ensure tasks are completed on time and to quality standards.
- Provide support for other operations as needed to support launch-operations integration.
- Fit out, assemble, and install launch-pad systems.
- Build and commission fluid systems.
- Perform precision cleaning of critical components as needed.
- Troubleshoot mechanical issues as needed.
- Work with Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, California; and Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
Benefits
- Company stock or cash incentives may be available.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with discounted stock.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan options.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Paid parental leave.
- Other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
