Test Operations Mechanical Technician II/III

Rocket Lab Corporation • Stennis Space Center, MS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Test Operations Mechanical Technician II or III at its Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The role supports building and operating critical test facilities for the Archimedes rocket engine and Neutron launch vehicle. The technician will develop skills in Test Operations and work with technicians and engineers on facility design, construction, activation, and testing.

The work includes building mechanical facility systems, supporting rocket engine hardware processing and checkout, and operating high-pressure gas and cryogenic systems. Technicians are expected to follow detailed work instructions and use appropriate personal protective equipment while maintaining safety, situational awareness, and communication during facility checkout and test operations. The position is available at either the Mechanical Technician II or III level. Hiring is for second shift and/or weekend shift.

Requirements

• For Technician II: at least 2 years of facility operations experience in aerospace, oil and gas, coal, shipping, or steel.
• For Technician III: at least 5 years of facility operations experience in aerospace, oil and gas, coal, shipping, or steel.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Willingness to work second shift (Monday–Thursday, 3:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.) and/or weekend shift (Thursday–Sunday, 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
• Able to climb ladders and work comfortably in tight spaces.
• Able to stand or walk for at least 8 hours and perform the listed physical activities, including bending, twisting, crawling, and handling tools or controls.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating and/or building rocket engine test stands or large industrial complexes.
• Knowledge of industry processes for pressure systems and cleanliness, such as NASA, U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, ASME, or other regulatory agency standards.
• Post-secondary technical education or licenses, such as A&P or similar.
• Experience with rocket engines, launch vehicles, or similar aerospace hardware.
• Experience operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane.
• Knowledge of valve, fitting, and flange types and materials of construction.
• Ability to troubleshoot systems and collaborate on corrective work instructions.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Office, email, and collaborative networks such as JIRA or Confluence.
• Demonstrated experience working with trade disciplines, fabricators, and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution.

Responsibilities

• Build facility systems, including tubing, piping, and mechanical structures.
• Build mechanical systems that meet standards for integrity and cleanliness.
• Support rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations.
• Operate high-pressure gas and cryogenic systems using detailed work instructions and appropriate PPE.
• Perform facility checkout and test operations safely, maintaining situational awareness and communication with others involved in testing.
• Troubleshoot facility and test operations issues.
• Collaborate with GSE teams on the design, build, installation, and checkout of facility systems, contributing expertise in system layout, operations, and test processes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED