Propulsion Technician - Assembly (Evening Shift)

Rocketlab; Waikato; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a hands-on Propulsion Technician for the New Zealand operations. You will perform final assembly, testing and maintenance of Electron propulsion systems, working across engine test, stage test or propulsion assembly centers.

Emphasis is on safety, precision, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. The role requires trade qualifications, 4+ years in mechanical/electrical production, and a strong eye for detail.

Qualifications

• Trade qualified with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical production or maintenance.
• Able to follow a process with impeccable attention to detail.
• Good eyesight and capable of inspecting assemblies to high workmanship standards.
• Experience with PPE and safety processes around hazardous equipment/environments.
• Experience working in clean room environments including oxygen service cleanliness.
• Able to identify deviations and drive continuous improvement.
• Appropriate trade certificate in Mechanical or Electrical assembly.

Responsibilities

• Assembles, tests and maintains Rocket Lab engines/components at the Test Complex.
• Works hands-on with tools/equipment to support engine test activities.
• Contributes to production and launch schedule through quality workmanship.
• Collaborates with Engine Test, Stage Test or Propulsion Assembly WorkCentres and other teams as needed.

Skills

Trade qualified

4+ years experience

Mechanical production

Electrical production

Process discipline

Attention to detail

Eyesight/inspection

PPE & safety

Clean room experience

Deviations identification

Continuous improvement

Trade certificate in Mechanical or Ele

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Reading drawings

Work under pressure

Initiative

Computer literacy

Education

Trade certificate in Mechanical or Electrical assembly

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

BUILDING ELECTRON AT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, is the fastest commercial launch to reach 56 launches in the world! The team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

The Propulsion Technician team works closely with engineering and production teams to achieve the highest product quality and safety standards for Electron propulsion.

Propulsion Technicians receive engines and components from Production departments and complete the final assembly, testing and any maintenance activities require for those engines at the Test Complex.

Testing involves acceptance, qualification and sometimes development testing for the Rutherford engines, Curie engines and Electron stages. In addition to testing, facility infrastructure work is required from time to time to support maintenance, upgrades and contributions to new projects.

Propulsion Technicians are given a primary responsibility in one of three WorkCentre’s (Engine Test, Stage Test or Propulsion Assembly) and cross functional collaboration is in support of another WorkCentre as agreed with Management.

As a Technician, you will be hands on, working with tools, equipment and/or facilities to build, launch or test Rocket Lab launch vehicles or components. Your responsibilities contribute to the overall production and launch schedule.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Trade qualified and must be able to demonstrate 4+ years of relevant industry experience
• Proven industry experience with mechanical and electrical production or maintenance activities
• Capable of following a process without fault and show an impeccable attention to detail
• Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard
• Experienced working with PPE and safety processes on/in hazardous equipment and environments
• Experienced working in clean room environments including oxygen service cleanliness
• Able to quickly identify and communicate deviations and has an eye for continuous improvement
• Appropriate trade certificate in Mechanical or Electrical assembly

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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. Able to work long hours if required
• Takes initiative & remains calm under pressure
• Computer literate, and comfortable using smartphones and tablets

NOTE: This role is available on our Evening Shift pattern: Mon - Thurs 15:00 - 01:30

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.