Launch Technician - IST

Rocket Lab USA; Māhia Beach; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company based in Mahia, Hawke's Bay, is looking for a Launch Technician to support rocket launches and integrated systems testing. Candidates should have over 3 years of industrial experience, particularly in electrical or mechanical roles. The position requires teamwork, focus on reliability, and effective customer interactions. Join us to make an impact in the space industry.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of electrical or mechanical industrial experience.
• Experience with pneumatics and fluids is preferred.
• Must have a basic understanding of electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Receipt and process Electron stages according to specified test procedures.
• Maintain the reliability of Electron, identifying and raising any possible risks.
• Assist in the integration of payloads onto Electron with professionalism.
• Perform Launch Operation roles when needed.
• Develop preventative maintenance and inspection procedures.
• Routine maintenance and upgrades of vehicle GSE.

Skills

Electrical or mechanical experience

Pneumatics and fluids experience

Understanding of electrical systems

Basic competency in computer and data systems

Job description

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more to open access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable missions across scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket is a routinely launched U.S. rocket, with Space Systems designing and building our satellites, payloads, and components used on NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and on the James Webb Space Telescope.

What you’ll get to do

As a Launch Technician - IST based at Rocket Lab’s site in Mahia, Hawkes Bay, you will support delivering rocket launches at the highest rate. In this role, you will focus on Electron Integrated Systems Testing and work with a tight-knit team of technicians and engineers to test, integrate and launch Electron.

Join a driven team that tackles challenging projects, delivers on exciting missions, and makes an impact on the future of space.

Responsibilities

• Receipt and process Electron stages according to specified test procedures
• Maintain the reliability of Electron as a primary focus, identifying and raising any possible risks
• Assist in the integration of payloads onto Electron, ensuring a highly professional interaction with customers
• Perform Launch Operation roles on an as-needed basis
• Develop preventative maintenance and inspection procedures for various vehicle-related GSE
• Routine maintenance and upgrades of vehicle GSE

Qualifications

• 3+ years of electrical or mechanical industrial experience
• Pneumatics and fluids experience
• Understanding of electrical systems
• Basic competency in computer and data systems

Nice to have

• High pressure gas systems & fluid dynamics
• Working within oxygen service cleanliness standards

What to expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We pride ourselves on supporting each other, checking egos at the door, and collaborating on tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on delivering results.

For candidates seeking to work in the US offices

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail].

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. Checks will include nationality checks to ensure eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.

Under these regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO member countries, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship. More information on these Regulations can be found here ITAR Regulations.