Production Test Technician

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Production Test Technician in Auckland to ensure performance and reliability of aerospace mechanical and electrical components. You will conduct rigorous testing and qualification of hardware and operate specialized testing equipment with precision.

You will collaborate with Development Engineers, support cryogenic test setups, perform detailed inspection of components, and maintain high workmanship standards under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Experience operating vibe/shaker table
• Experience compiling concise and accurate test reports
• Precision mechanical and/or electrical assembly experience
• Hands-on, comfortable working with basic tools
• Must maintain cleanliness for oxygen service
• Good eyesight for high workmanship standard

Responsibilities

• Operating vibration tables and vacuum chambers
• Work with Development Engineers on space flight hardware, reaction wheels & spacecraft
• Support Neutron R&D testing of flight and development hardware
• Cryogenic & gaseous support test equipment
• Precision inspection of mechanical components

Skills

Hands-on tools

Tool handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork and autonomy

Excellent communication

Good eyesight

Education

Trade qualification (Automotive, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Fitter/Turner)

Tools

Vibe/shaker table operation

Basic computers and mobile devices

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.

PRODUCTION TEST TECHNICIAN

As a Production Test Technician at Rocket Lab, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the performance and reliability of our aerospace mechanical & electrical components. Your primary responsibilities will involve rigorous testing and qualification of mechanical hardware, as well as proficient operation and maintenance of testing machinery. You will be expected to perform complex testing and integration tasks with a high level of precision and expertise.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Operating vibration tables and vacuum chambers
• Work with Development Engineers on space flight hardware, reaction wheels & spacecraft
• Support Neutron R&D testing of flight and development hardware
• Cryogenic & gaseous support test equipment
• Precision inspection of mechanical components

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to demonstrate 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Familiarity with the operation of vibe/shaker table
• Experience with compiling concise and accurate test reports
• Precision mechanical and/or electrical assembly experience
• Hands on, comfortable working with basic tools
• Comfortable working to exacting standards, including cleanliness for oxygen service
• Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Trade qualified in Automotive, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Fitter/Turner or similar
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as autonomously
• Able to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
• A high work ethic, always seeking more responsibility
• Takes initiative and remainscalm under pressure
• Computer literate, and comfortable using smartphones and tablets

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.