Composite Technician - Painting (Evening Shift)

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

Job summary

A leading space company in New Zealand is seeking a Composite Technician I specializing in painting. You will be responsible for coating various parts of the Electron rocket and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards while meeting production demands. Candidates should possess relevant trade qualifications and at least 4 years of industry experience. Join a dynamic team that is committed to pushing the boundaries in space technology and innovation.

Qualifications

• Trade qualified in relevant industry.
• Must be able to demonstrate 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Precision application skills of the paint systems.

Responsibilities

• Measure, mark, and trim components according to specifications.
• Prepare and coat surfaces of the vehicle.
• Paint components, working in confined spaces.

Skills

Trade qualified in relevant industry

4+ years of relevant industry experience

Precision application skills of the paint systems

Basic hand tool skills

Ability to interpret assembly drawings

Repair damaged composite items

Select and use hand and power tools

Apply health and safety procedures

Job description

Auckland, NZ

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

COMPOSITE TECHNICIAN I – PAINTING

As a Composite Technician who is specialised in Painting, you will be responsible for building and assembling numerous parts of the Electron rocket. From pressurised tanks, structural assemblies, propellant filters right through to payload hardware and heat shields you will undertake all aspects of surface coating required during production, while adhering to Rocket Lab’s high standards of quality and meeting the production schedule demands set out by the production leadership team.

Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Accurately measure mark and trim components using drawings and work instructions
• Prepare and coat internal and external surfaces of the vehicle to designed specification
• Paint components on and inside the launch vehicle which will require working in confined spaces while wearing the necessary safety PPE
• Prepare and coat tooling substrates used for production
• Install vehicle decals to the required specifications
• Support supply chain to maintain accurate and reliable stock levels
• Move large and small components and major assemblies from area to area with an understanding of the criticality of the process
• Record batch numbers and maintain traceability of raw materials used
• Prepare stock for components used in production
• Practice the highest level of accuracy while surfacing and coating components
• Support R&D tasks to improve production techniques or vehicle reliability/performance

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Trade qualified in relevant industry
• Must be able to demonstrate 4+ years of relevant industry experience
• Precision application skills of the paint systems and tooling systems
• Basic hand tool skills
• Interpret and apply assembly drawings to ensure product quality
• Repair damaged or faulty composite items
• Select, use, and care for hand and power tools used in the marine or composite industry
• Perform measurements and calculations used in a marine or composite workplace
• Apply health and safety procedures in a marine or composite workplace
• Operate simple mechanical plant used in the marine or composite industry

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as autonomously
• Able to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
• A high work ethic, always seeking more responsibility
• Computer literate, and comfortable using smartphones and tablets

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, 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.

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.

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.