Technician - Materials Development and Testing

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Technician - Materials Development and Testing to prepare and test composite and metallic specimens, applying instrumentation and adhering to ASTM standards. You will document results and support R&D programs with careful data handling.

The role requires experience in a materials testing lab, proficiency with UTM equipment, and strong measurement skills. Based in New Zealand, it offers hands-on opportunities in a space-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical field, or 2+ years lab experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience in materials testing laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience with composite materials preparation and testing.
• Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with precision measurement instruments.
• Familiarity with ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.).
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare composite and metallic test specimens according to ASTM standards.
• Perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding operations.
• Manufacture test articles for mechanical and thermal testing.
• Apply strain gauges, extensometers, and instrumentation to specimens.
• Integrate thermocouples and other instrumentation into test articles.
• Bond end tabs or fixtures using adhesives and curing procedures.
• Measure specimen dimensions using calipers and micrometers.
• Document specimen geometry, batch numbers, and preparation procedures.
• Maintain specimen identification and traceability.
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per requirements.
• Inspect specimens for defects that affect test validity.

Skills

Materials testing

Data acquisition

Reading drawings

Excel data analysis

Attention to detail

Independence

Problem solving

Quality assurance

Test method development

Education

Associate degree in Materials Science or related field

High school diploma + 2+ years lab experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science (nice-to-have)

Tools

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Calipers

Micrometers

Python

MATLAB

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.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

TECHNICIAN - MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING

As a Technician - Materials Development and Testing at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for the preparation, testing, and reporting of composite and metallic material specimens to determine mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM and other international standards. Ensure accurate test execution, data collection, and comprehensive documentation to support product qualification, quality assurance, and research and development programs.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Prepare composite and metallic test specimens according to ASTM standards including D3039, D3410, D790, D7078, E8, E9, and similar specifications
• Perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding operations using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface preparation equipment
• Manufacture test articles of composites, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing
• Apply strain gauges, extensometers, and other instrumentation to specimens as required
• Integrate thermocouples, RTDs, and instrumentation into test articles for testing of metallic, composite, and polymeric materials
• Bond composite end tabs or metal fixtures, and specimens (lap shear, fracture toughness) using appropriate adhesives and curing procedures
• Measure and verify specimen dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and optical measurement systems
• Document specimen geometry, fiber orientation, batch numbers, and preparation procedures
• Maintain specimen identification and traceability throughout preparation process
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test specification requirements
• Inspect specimens for defects, voids, or damage that could affect test validity

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical field; OR
• High school diploma/equivalent plus 2+ years relevant laboratory experience
• Minimum 1 year experience in materials testing laboratory environment
• Demonstrated experience with composite materials preparation and testing
• Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems
• Experience with precision measurement instruments
• Familiarity with MIL-Handbook 17 Vol 1 Polymer Matrix Composites Guidelines for Characterization of Structural Materials.
• Understanding of ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.)
• Knowledge of composite material structures and failure modes
• Familiarity with metallic material properties and behavior
• Basic understanding of mechanics of materials and stress‑strain relationships
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel for data analysis
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Basic understanding of statistics for reviewing and reporting test results.
• Ability to review and analyse testing results from external laboratories.
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong manual dexterity for specimen handling and preparation
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Problem‑solving aptitude and analytical thinking
• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Relevant aerospace industry experience, such as launch service sales, mission marketing, payload integration, orbital network planning, and strategy, or relevant experience in spaceport operations and development.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science
• AS9100 or ISO 17025 laboratory experience
• Nadcap Materials Testing certification
• Experience with advanced composites (carbon fiber, Kevlar, prepreg systems)
• Familiarity with aerospace or automotive industry standards
• Training in statistical process control (SPC)
• Familiarity with post processing of test data in Python, Matlab, or equivalent software
• Experience with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or other optical measurement techniques
• Certification in adhesive bonding procedures

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.