Materials Development & Testing Technician (Composites & Metals)

InvestedintheMission; Auckland; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Technician - Materials Development and Testing to prepare and test composite and metallic specimens, applying instrumentation and adhering to ASTM standards. You will document results and support R&D programs with careful data handling.

The role requires experience in a materials testing lab, proficiency with UTM equipment, and strong measurement skills. Based in New Zealand, it offers hands-on opportunities in a space-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical field, or 2+ years lab experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience in materials testing laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience with composite materials preparation and testing.
• Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with precision measurement instruments.
• Familiarity with ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.).
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare composite and metallic test specimens according to ASTM standards.
• Perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding operations.
• Manufacture test articles for mechanical and thermal testing.
• Apply strain gauges, extensometers, and instrumentation to specimens.
• Integrate thermocouples and other instrumentation into test articles.
• Bond end tabs or fixtures using adhesives and curing procedures.
• Measure specimen dimensions using calipers and micrometers.
• Document specimen geometry, batch numbers, and preparation procedures.
• Maintain specimen identification and traceability.
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per requirements.
• Inspect specimens for defects that affect test validity.

Skills

Materials testing

Data acquisition

Reading drawings

Excel data analysis

Attention to detail

Independence

Problem solving

Quality assurance

Test method development

Education

Associate degree in Materials Science or related field

High school diploma + 2+ years lab experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science (nice-to-have)

Tools

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Calipers

Micrometers

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Technician - Materials Development and Testing to prepare and test composite and metallic specimens, applying instrumentation and adhering to ASTM standards. You will document results and support R&D programs with careful data handling.

The role requires experience in a materials testing lab, proficiency with UTM equipment, and strong measurement skills. Based in New Zealand, it offers hands-on opportunities in a space-focused environment.