Propulsion Assembly Technician — Hands-On Spacecraft Propulsion

Rocket Lab Corporation; Waikato; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is a space company delivering launch services and spacecraft design. The Propulsion Technician role sits within the Electron propulsion team, performing assembly, testing and maintenance on Rutherford and Curie engines and Electron stages at our New Zealand facilities.

You will work hands-on with engines, components, and test systems to support safe, reliable launches. You will join a multi-disciplinary team, follow stringent production processes, and contribute to continuous

Qualifications

• Trade qualified with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical production or maintenance.
• Ability to follow processes with high attention to detail.
• Sharp eyesight to inspect assemblies to high workmanship.
• Experience with PPE and safety in hazardous environments.
• Experience in clean room environments including oxygen service cleanliness.
• Ability to identify deviations and push for continuous improvement.
• Holder of a trade certificate in Mechanical or Electrical assembly.

Responsibilities

• Work with engineering and production teams to achieve high product quality and safety.
• Receive engines and components from Production and perform final assembly, testing and maintenance activities.
• Conduct testing including acceptance, qualification and development testing for Rutherford, Curie engines and Electron stages.
• Provide facility infrastructure support for maintenance, upgrades and new projects.
• Be assigned to one WorkCentre (Engine Test, Stage Test or Propulsion Assembly) with cross‑functional support as needed.
• Be hands‑on with tools and equipment to build, launch or test Rocket Lab launch vehicles or components.
• Contribute to overall production and launch scheduling.

Skills

Attention to detail

Process following

Safety & PPE

Inspection of assemblies

Identifying deviations

Education

Trade certificate in Mechanical or Electrical assembly

Job description

Rocket Lab is a space company delivering launch services and spacecraft design. The Propulsion Technician role sits within the Electron propulsion team, performing assembly, testing and maintenance on Rutherford and Curie engines and Electron stages at our New Zealand facilities.

You will work hands-on with engines, components, and test systems to support safe, reliable launches. You will join a multi-disciplinary team, follow stringent production processes, and contribute to continuous