Propulsion Technician - Rotor Assembly

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab is looking for a member to join our new Rotor Assembly team in Auckland, New Zealand. You will build and test propulsion rotors, working alongside development engineers in a 100% R&D environment.

The role requires a trade qualification with over 4 years of precision manufacturing experience. You’ll perform precision mechanical assembly and help establish new processes, contributing to the success of our Electron rocket.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on precision manufacturing experience required.
• Exceptional skills in mechanical assembly of complex components.
• Experience with quality control and inspection using precision tools.
• Able to read complex technical drawings accurately.
• Thrives in ambiguous environments when building new processes.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and test propulsion rotor components to specifications.
• Conduct functional testing using various test equipment.
• Establish new processes and document work with traceability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Precision manufacturing experience

Mechanical assembly skills

Quality control experience

Ability to read technical drawings

Comfortable in cleanliness standards

Education

Trade qualification

Tools

Precision measurement tools

Automated test equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

ELECTRON

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, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each other’s back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

THE ROLE

Join our newly established in‑house Rotor Assembly team. You'll work in a 100% R&D environment alongside development engineers to assemble and test propulsion rotors. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in fast‑paced, agile environments where pivots are opportunities, long hours are occasionally necessary, and every day brings new challenges. If you're energized by building processes from the ground up rather than following established playbooks, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Receive, assemble, and test propulsion rotor components to exacting specifications
• Perform precision mechanical assembly of critical propulsion hardware
• Conduct functional testing using mechanical, electrical, and automated test equipment
• Help establish new processes and procedures for this production line, including documenting all work with full traceability
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives as the team and capabilities expand
• Support the team's agile approach with flexibility and problem‑solving mindset

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Trade qualification with 4+ years of hands‑on precision manufacturing experience
• Exceptional hand skills in mechanical assembly of complex components
• Quality control and inspection experience with precision measurement tools
• Ability to read complex technical drawings and operate automated test equipment
• Comfortable working to exacting cleanliness standards, including oxygen service environments
• Thrives in ambiguity: energized by building processes from scratch rather than following established playbooks

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Motorsport or similar high‑performance industry experience is highly desirable—you understand high‑performance, precision engineering
• Turbo machining expertise: demonstrated proficiency with lathes and mills

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.

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