Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland seeks an Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician to operate and maintain vacuum chambers used for full system Ion Propulsion Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP). You will support Thruster and Power Processing Unit (PPU) assembly and sub‑system testing, ensuring adherence to strict specifications with precision tools.

You will execute test procedures, document results, troubleshoot issues with engineering teams, and perform routine maintenance on vacuum systems and

Qualifications

• Trade or degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related field.
• 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with operation of mechanical, electrical and automated test equipment.
• Familiarity with thermal systems, vacuum pumps, and pressure measurement.
• Precision mechanical and electrical assembly experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex electro‑mechanical systems.
• Commitment to cleanliness for vacuum environments.
• Understanding of standard industry ESD policy.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain vacuum chambers for production and testing of ion propulsion systems.
• Accurately execute test procedures and document results.
• Report anomalies to engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot test failures with cross‑functional teams to resolve root causes.
• Perform preventative maintenance and manage consumables inventory.
• Assemble and test thruster and sub‑system hardware including PPUs.
• Support engineering in troubleshooting build issues and training team members.

Skills

4+ years experience

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Precision assembly

ESD policy knowledge

Education

Trade or degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace

Tools

Vacuum systems

Test equipment

High-voltage electronics

Data acquisition systems

Job description

ION PROPULSION PRODUCTION & TEST TECHNICIAN

As an Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of vacuum chambers used for full system Ion Propulsion Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), as well as supporting Thruster and Power Processing Unit (PPU) assembly and sub‑system testing.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Operate and maintain vacuum chambers for production and testing of full ion propulsion systems, including setup, calibration, and real‑time monitoring of test parameters.
• Accurately execute test procedures, document results, and report anomalies or out‑of‑family data to engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot test failures and collaborate with production, design, and quality engineers to resolve root causes and improve processes.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vacuum systems and facility equipment; maintain detailed logs and manage consumables inventory.
• Assemble and test precision thruster and sub‑system hardware (including Power Processing Units), ensuring compliance with strict specifications using both common and specialized tools.
• Support engineering teams in troubleshooting build issues, refining maintenance procedures, and training team members as needed.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Trade or degree qualified in relevant industry (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or similar).
• Must be able to demonstrate 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with operation of mechanical, electrical and automated test equipment.
• Familiarity with thermal systems, vacuum pumps, and pressure measurement.
• Precision mechanical and electrical assembly experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex electro‑mechanical systems.
• Comfortable working to exacting standards, including cleanliness for vacuum environments.
• Sound understanding of standard industry ESD policy.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands‑on assembly and maintenance.
• Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with data acquisition systems.
• Experience compiling concise and accurate test reports.
• Experience maintaining industrial equipment.
• Experience working with high‑voltage electronics.
• Strong work ethic, able to take own initiative.
• Able to remain calm under pressure.

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.