Ion Propulsion Test & Assembly Technician

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking an Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician to operate and maintain vacuum chambers used for full Ion Propulsion ATP, and to support Thruster and PPU assembly and testing.

You will troubleshoot test failures, document results, perform preventative maintenance, and work with engineering teams to improve processes while upholding strict cleanliness and safety standards in our Auckland facilities.

Qualifications

• Trade or degree qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related field.
• Minimum 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience operating mechanical, electrical and automated test equipment.
• Familiarity with thermal systems, vacuum pumps, and pressure measurement.
• Precise mechanical and electrical assembly experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Work to exacting vacuum-environment cleanliness and ESD policies.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for hands-on assembly and maintenance.
• Good eyesight and ability to inspect assemblies to high workmanship standards.
• Nice to have: vacuum chamber operation experience.
• Nice to have: data acquisition experience.
• Nice to have: experience with high-voltage electronics.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Mechanical

Electrical

Aerospace

Test equipment

Inspection

Vacuum systems

ESD policy

Troubleshooting

Hands-on assembly

Exacting standards

Job description

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking an Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician to operate and maintain vacuum chambers used for full Ion Propulsion ATP, and to support Thruster and PPU assembly and testing.

You will troubleshoot test failures, document results, perform preventative maintenance, and work with engineering teams to improve processes while upholding strict cleanliness and safety standards in our Auckland facilities.