Neutron Composite Technician

Monterrey Rocket Lab; Warkworth; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is hiring for a role focused on the Neutron launch vehicle's pressurised tanks, unpressurised sections, and fairings, requiring deep expertise in prepreg manufacturing, core bonding, splicing, and resin infusion. The role collaborates with customers to deliver test campaigns and emphasizes lean production and timely delivery.

The successful candidate will navigate complex manufacturing processes with a strong emphasis on quality and cost efficiency, supporting Neutron production and

Qualifications

• Top tier, advanced prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing.
• Resin infusion knowledge.
• Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments.
• Basic I.T. skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• 3 + years industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Focus on pressurised tanks, unpressurised sections, and fairings on S2 and S1 structures of the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers to action and deliver test campaigns for components at various scales.
• Maintain a mindset of cost reduction and lean production; meet timelines and delivery estimates.
• Help mitigate handling and logistic issues and ensure end-state product specifications are achievable.

Skills

Prepreg manufacturing

Core bond & splicing

Resin infusion

General manufacturing experience

IT skills

Communication skills

Industry experience (3+ years)

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

BUILDING NEUTRON AT ROCKET LAB:

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. RocketLab’sNeutronteamisresponsibleforbringingournewlargerocketNeutronanditslaunchandtestsitestolife.FromdesigningandtestingNeutron’sstructuresandcomponents, tofiringupitsnewArchimedesengines, tosettingupNeutron’slaunchpadsandtestsitesacrosstheUnitedStates,joiningtheNeutronteamisyouropportunitytohelplaunchanewlargerocketfortheveryfirsttime!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Your role will be focusing on, but not limited to the pressurised tanks, unpressurised sections and fairings on both the S2 and S1 structures of the neutron launch vehicle. This position requires a wide knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques, product knowledge and an openness to trialing new and exploratory methods of building.

The position is tied into Research and Development, you will work closely with internal and external customers to action and deliver test campaigns components at various scales. A mindset based on cost reduction and the end goal of lean production is necessary. A clear understanding of timelines and estimating deliveries is essential to success in this role and key to the overall delivery of the wider project.

The Neutron project is large in scope and scale, you will help mitigate handling and logistic issues that can arise utilizing your past experiences and problem‑solving capability. It is essential that as a member of this team you can balance the line between quick development requirements and ensure the end state product specifications are obtainable. Future opportunities will develop as Neutron moves into production and the development of AIT facilities in both NZ and the US.

Kindly note this is a full-time, permanent position for a fixed term of 18 months.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Top tier, advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge
• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing
• Resin infusion knowledge
• Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments
• Basic I.T. skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• 3 + years industry experience

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

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.