Technician - Materials Development and Testing (Neutron)

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Materials Technician to support Neutron program testing in New Zealand. You will prepare specimens, build test articles, apply instrumentation, and conduct mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests to ensure space hardware readiness.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in a materials testing lab, experience with composites, and proficiency with universal testing machines and data analysis in Python/ Matlab. NZ-based role with hands-on, rigorous testing culture.

Qualifications

• Typically an associate degree in Materials Science or related field or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a materials testing lab or related function.
• Hands-on experience preparing and testing composite materials.
• Proficient with universal testing machines, data acquisition systems and precision measurement tools.
• Familiarity with ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.).
• Knowledge of composite material structures and failure modes.
• Experience post-processing test data in Python or Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface prep equipment.
• Build test articles from composites, metallics, textiles, and insulation for testing.
• Apply instrumentation like strain gauges, extensometers, thermocouples, RTDs.
• Bond specimens and fixtures using adhesives and curing procedures.
• Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test requirements.
• Execute mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests with appropriate equipment.
• Document specimen geometry, fibre orientation, batch numbers and processing for traceability.
• Collaborate with development engineers to design tailored test methodologies.

Skills

Materials testing

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Python/ Matlab data analysis

ASTM standards knowledge

Composite materials knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Materials Science or related field

High school + 3+ years technical experience

Tools

Universal testing machines

Data acquisition systems

Precision measurement tools

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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

ABOUT TECHNICIANS AT ROCKET LAB

Every rocket we launch depends on materials that won't fail. As a technician working on Materials Development and Testing for Neutron, you'll push metals and composites to their limits, testing the samples that prove our rockets are ready for space.

Space tests everything. You test it first.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Prepare test specimens -cut, machine, and prepare composite and metallic specimens to be tested to international standards (ASTM D3039, E8, and similar) using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface prep equipment
• Build test articles -from composites, metallics, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing
• Fit instrumentation - apply strain gauges, extensometers, thermocouples, and RTDs to samples
• Bond specimens & assemble fixtures -attach end tabs and metal fixtures (lap shear, fracture toughness) using the right adhesives and curing procedures
• Condition specimens -in environmental chambers per test requirements
• Test & Characterize Materials - execute a variety of mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests using commercial and development equipment
• Document everything -specimen geometry, fibre orientation, batch numbers, and processing, keeping full traceability throughout
• Support development-collaborate with development engineers to design and implement tailored test methodologies for non-standard characterization

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• An associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field OR a high school qualification with 3+ years of relevant technical experience
• 2+ years of experience in a materials testing laboratory or related function
• Hands-on experience preparing and testing composite materials
• Proficient in operating universal testing machines, data acquisition systems, and precision measurement tools
• Understanding of ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.)
• Knowledge of composite material structures and failure modes
• Familiarity with post processing of test data in Python, Matlab, or equivalent software
• Demonstrated experience supporting test campaigns for design, manufacturing, or development stakeholders

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Aerospace or defense industry experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Materials Science
• Familiarity with ASTM standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8) or MIL-HDBK-17
• Familiarity with MIL-Handbook 17 Vol 1 Polymer Matrix Composites Guidelines for Characterization of Structural Materials
• Experience with advanced composites - carbon fibre, aramid, or prepreg systems
• AS9100, ISO 17025, or Nadcap Materials Testing certification
• Statistical process control (SPC) training
• Data analysis in Python, Matlab, or similar
• Adhesive bonding certification
• Experience coordinating 3rd party test activities

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.