Materials Test Technician - Composites & Metals

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. is seeking a Technician – Materials Development and Testing in Auckland to prepare, test, and document material specimens for qualification and R&D programs.

You will ensure accurate test execution and data integrity, supporting product qualification and quality assurance across composite and metallic materials. The role requires an associate degree or equivalent lab experience, proficiency with universal testing machines, and strong data analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field, OR
• High school diploma/equivalent with 2+ years relevant lab experience.
• Minimum 1 year in materials testing laboratory environment.
• Experience with composite materials preparation and testing.
• Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with MIL-Handbook 17 Vol 1 PMCs guidelines and ASTM standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.)
• Ability to read engineering drawings and perform basic statistics on results.

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 and instrumentation to specimens as required.
• Integrate thermocouples and RTDs into test articles.
• Bond fixtures and specimens using adhesives and curing procedures.
• Measure specimen dimensions with calipers and micrometers.
• Document specimen geometry, batch numbers, and procedures.
• Maintain specimen identification and traceability throughout preparation.
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test spec requirements.
• Inspect specimens for defects that could affect test validity.

Skills

Composite materials preparation

Materials testing

Data acquisition systems

Precision measurement

Excel data analysis

Engineering drawings interpretation

Statistical review of results

Education

Associate degree in Materials Science/Mechanical Eng Tech

High school diploma + 2+ years lab experience

Tools

Universal testing machines

Calipers & micrometers

Job description

Rocket Lab Corp. is seeking a Technician – Materials Development and Testing in Auckland to prepare, test, and document material specimens for qualification and R&D programs.

You will ensure accurate test execution and data integrity, supporting product qualification and quality assurance across composite and metallic materials. The role requires an associate degree or equivalent lab experience, proficiency with universal testing machines, and strong data analysis skills.