Neutron Composite Technician

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking a manufacturing engineer with deep expertise in prepreg processes and assembly of aerospace components. You will work on pressurised tanks, unpressurised sections, and fairings for Neutron launch vehicle structures, collaborating with R&D and external partners to deliver test campaigns at multiple scales.

The role emphasizes cost reduction, lean production, and precise delivery timelines, balancing rapid development with achievable end-state specifications as

Qualifications

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

Skills

Prepreg manufacturing

Core bond and Splicing

Industry manufacturing experience

Basic IT skills

Excellent communication

3+ years industry experience

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Top tier, advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge
• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing
• 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.

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.