Reaction Wheel Assembly Technician

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand seeks a hands-on Technician to join the Reaction Wheels Production team. You will assemble high precision spacecraft components, work with avionics and electrical systems, and use test equipment to verify performance.

You will perform component assembly, testing, troubleshooting and rework with a focus on quality and meeting production schedules, contributing to successful space missions.

Qualifications

• Trade qualified in relevant industry or with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Precision mechanical or electrical assembly.
• Operation of mechanical, electrical, or automated test equipment.
• Working understanding of standard industry ESD.
• Good eyesight and ability to inspect assemblies to high workmanship standards.
• Ability to manufacture components to a high workmanship standard.

Responsibilities

• Assemble components required to complete a Reaction Wheel.
• Test, troubleshoot and rework assemblies as needed.
• Maintain quality and build rate to meet production schedule.

Skills

Trade qualification/2+ yrs experience

Precision assembly (mechanical/electr

Electrical/mechanical test equipment

ESD awareness

Attention to workmanship

Manufacturing to high standards

Education

B.Sc in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a member of the Reaction Wheels Production team, you will part of a team assembling high precision spacecraft components. You'll have the opportunity to work with modern avionics and electrical systems, test equipment and several mechanical systems. You will carry out all aspects of the component assembly, testing, troubleshooting and rework. This is all focused-on quality and build rate to meet the production schedule.

As a technician, you will be hands on, working with tools, test equipment and/or facilities to assemble components required to complete a Reaction Wheel. Your quality of work, attention to detail and responsibilities contribute to the overall production and delivery schedule.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Trade qualified in relevant industry or must be able to demonstrate 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Precision mechanical or electrical assembly
• Operation of mechanical, electrical, or automated test equipment
• Have a working understanding of standard industry ESD.
• Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard.
• Be able to manufacture components to a high workmanship standard.

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
• Relevant experience in Prototyping and tooling design
• Relevant experience in New product introduction (NPI)
• B.Sc in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)

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 hereITAR Regulations.