AFP Operator - All Levels- Weekend Shift

InvestedintheMission; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an AFP Operator at our Middle River, MD site to set up, calibrate and operate the automated fiber placement machine for large carbon fiber structures, particularly for the Neutron program.

You'll maintain the AFP equipment, perform routine maintenance, and work with engineering to implement process improvements while ensuring safety and efficiency across the manufacturing floor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to interpret drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills including decimals, fractions, and conversions.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, maintain, and operate the AFP machine to manufacture large carbon fiber structures.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on AFP machine parts and subassemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Programming teams to drive process improvements.
• Ensure equipment safety, efficiency, and operability with the facilities team.
• Train on new processes and assist in transitioning to AFP manufacturing.

Skills

Machining basics

GD&T interpretation

Reading drawings

Measurement proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

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.

AFP OPERATOR

Rocket Lab is building parts with the world's largest post-style automated fiber placement machine (AFP) at our Space Structures Complex in Middle River. As an AFP Operator, you’ll get to build some of the largest carbon fiber composite fuselage structures ever made using cutting-edge technologies and space grade materials.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Set up, calibrate, maintain, and operate the Rocket Lab Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine to manufacture large carbon fiber structures for the Neutron Rocket.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on AFP machine parts and subassemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Programming teams to drive continuous process improvements.
• Work with the facilities team to ensure all equipment remains safe, efficient, and operational.
• Train on new processes and assist in transitioning new components to AFP manufacturing.
• Load and unload composite tooling and molds from the AFP machine.
• Gain hands‑on experience diagnosing defects, performing rework and splice repairs, and loading/unloading composite materials onto the AFP machine while ensuring proper alignment and placement during the lamination process.
• Contribute to the creation and resolution of Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Document machine stoppages, reference Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and follow detailed Work Instructions.
• Provide support for additional build activities across the site as needed.

(This position can be hired as a AFP Operator I, AFP Operator II, AFP Operator III, or Senior AFP Operator)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR I:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AFP OPERATOR II:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in machining or composites manufacturing.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions). }