Mechanical Technician I

Rocket Lab; Toronto; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based in Toronto, Ontario, is seeking a Mechanical Technician I to join our Space Systems team, handling integration of spacecraft components.

You will assemble, test, and inspect mechanical, electrical, and optical subassemblies, supporting precision attitude determination and control products. This role requires attention to detail and adherence to cleanroom standards.

Qualifications

• Experience with precision mechanical integration.
• Fine motor skills for handling small components.
• Close-range vision with or without corrective lenses.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical integration of space hardware in a clean environment
• Integrate electrical subassemblies into mechanical housings
• Assemble and focus opto-mechanical subassemblies
• Conduct functional and performance testing of reaction wheel and star tracker subassemblies and units
• Perform final inspections (mass and photography) of parts, subassemblies, and integrated units
• Install bearings into reaction wheel assemblies
• Apply lubricant/grease to rotary components with precision
• Shim reaction wheels to achieve clearances and bearing preloads with precision
• Perform bulk cleaning of components using an ultrasonic cleaner
• Rework or modify fixtures and production components
• Apply staking compounds to threaded fasteners in a controlled manner
• Document all activities and collected data accurately

Skills

Precision mechanical integration

Fine motor skills

Close-range vision

Tools

Calipers, micrometers, dial gauges

Drill press, hand drill

Torque wrench

Optical microscope

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and 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 it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, a 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.

MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN I

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Toronto, Ontario, the Mechanical Technician I will be responsible for the integration of spacecraft precision attitude determination and control products, which are comprised of mechanical, electrical, and optical subassemblies. The successful candidate will assemble, inspect, and perform other duties associated with building products from Rocket Lab’s star tracker and reaction wheel product lines. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Perform mechanical integration of space hardware in a clean environment
• Integrate electrical subassemblies into mechanical housings
• Assemble and focus opto-mechanical subassemblies
• Conduct functional and performance testing of reaction wheel and star tracker subassemblies and units
• Perform final inspections (mass and photography) of parts, subassemblies, and integrated units
• Install bearings into reaction wheel assemblies
• Apply lubricant/grease to rotary components with precision
• Shim reaction wheels to achieve clearances and bearing preloads with precision
• Perform bulk cleaning of components using an ultrasonic cleaner and manual cleaning with isopropanol
• Occasionally rework or modify fixtures and production components
• Apply staking compounds (epoxy and/or Loctite) to threaded fasteners in a controlled manner
• Document all activities and collected data accurately

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN I:

• Experience with precision mechanical integration
• Excellent fine motor skills, including the ability to manipulate small components with fine tweezers
• Excellent vision at close range (with or without corrective lenses)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working with high-reliability aerospace or spacecraft components
• Experience with machined aluminum components, bearings, and optics
• Ability to use digital or analog calipers, micrometers, and dial gauges to measure critical dimensions
• Proficiency with a drill press, hand drill, and other basic metalworking tools
• Ability to use a torque wrench
• Experience using an optical microscope (4-20x magnification range)
• Ability to interpret and follow technical instructions supplemented by verbal instruction
• Familiarity with cleanroom/cleanbench best practices
• Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD-sensitive hardware
• Highly organized and able to work independently with strong attention to detail

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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
• Perform repetitive motions, including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments, including 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

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; RRSP retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$39,000 - $48,000 USD

$39,000 - $48,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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.

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 [e-mail]. 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.

As set forth in Rocket Lab Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.