Aerospace Materials Dev & Testing Technician

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ is seeking a Technician – Materials Development and Testing to prepare, test, and report on composite and metallic material specimens to determine mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM and other international standards.

You will perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding with diamond saws and CNC mills; apply strain gauges; document specimen geometry, batch numbers, and testing procedures to support qualification, quality assurance, and R&D programs.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Materials Science or related technical field.
• 2+ years laboratory experience with materials testing.
• Experience with composite materials preparation and testing.
• Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with precision measurement instruments and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of ASTM standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, E9).
• Strong attention to detail and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently with high quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare composite and metallic test specimens according to ASTM standards including D3039, D3410, D790, D7078, E8, E9, and similar specifications.
• Perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding operations using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface preparation equipment.
• Manufacture test articles of composites, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing.
• Apply strain gauges, extensometers, and other instrumentation to specimens as required.
• Integrate thermocouples, RTDs, and instrumentation into test articles for testing of metallic, composite, and polymeric materials.
• Bond composite end tabs or metal fixtures, and specimens (lap shear, fracture toughness) using appropriate adhesives and curing procedures.
• Measure and verify specimen dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and optical measurement systems.
• Document specimen geometry, fiber orientation, batch numbers, and preparation procedures.
• Maintain specimen identification and traceability throughout preparation process.
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test specification requirements.
• Inspect specimens for defects, voids, or damage that could affect test validity

Skills

Materials testing

Composite prep

Metals testing

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Precision measurement instruments

Engineering drawings interpretation

Excel data analysis

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in Materials Science or related technical field

High school diploma/equivalent + 2+ years lab experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science (nice to have)

AS9100 or ISO 17025 lab experience (nice to have)

Tools

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Calipers

Micrometers

Diamond saws

CNC mills

Surface preparation equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ is seeking a Technician – Materials Development and Testing to prepare, test, and report on composite and metallic material specimens to determine mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM and other international standards.

You will perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding with diamond saws and CNC mills; apply strain gauges; document specimen geometry, batch numbers, and testing procedures to support qualification, quality assurance, and R&D programs.