Aerospace Materials Test Technician – Spaceflight

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Materials Technician to support Neutron program testing in New Zealand. You will prepare specimens, build test articles, apply instrumentation, and conduct mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests to ensure space hardware readiness.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in a materials testing lab, experience with composites, and proficiency with universal testing machines and data analysis in Python/ Matlab. NZ-based role with hands-on, rigorous testing culture.

Qualifications

• Typically an associate degree in Materials Science or related field or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a materials testing lab or related function.
• Hands-on experience preparing and testing composite materials.
• Proficient with universal testing machines, data acquisition systems and precision measurement tools.
• Familiarity with ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.).
• Knowledge of composite material structures and failure modes.
• Experience post-processing test data in Python or Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface prep equipment.
• Build test articles from composites, metallics, textiles, and insulation for testing.
• Apply instrumentation like strain gauges, extensometers, thermocouples, RTDs.
• Bond specimens and fixtures using adhesives and curing procedures.
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test requirements.
• Execute mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests with appropriate equipment.
• Document specimen geometry, fibre orientation, batch numbers and processing for traceability.
• Collaborate with development engineers to design tailored test methodologies.

Skills

Materials testing

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Python/ Matlab data analysis

ASTM standards knowledge

Composite materials knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Materials Science or related field

High school + 3+ years technical experience

Tools

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Precision measurement tools

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks a Materials Technician to support Neutron program testing in New Zealand. You will prepare specimens, build test articles, apply instrumentation, and conduct mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests to ensure space hardware readiness.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in a materials testing lab, experience with composites, and proficiency with universal testing machines and data analysis in Python/ Matlab. NZ-based role with hands-on, rigorous testing culture.