Composite Technician I-III

Rocket Lab USA; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Albuquerque, NM, is seeking a Composites Technician I–III to support basic composite layouts, bagging prep, and vacuum processing. You’ll work on parts for bagging with bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections, contributing to the fabrication of aerospace structures.

Join a driven team tackling challenging projects and advancing spaceflight through precision layups, bonding, and finishing techniques using calipers, micrometers, and torque wrenches.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• For Technician II: 2+ years of composites/laminations or military equipment maintenance or related experience.
• For Technician III: 5+ years of composites/laminations or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Assembly of structures, setup, bonding and fastener applications.
• Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials.
• Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections.
• Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing.
• Make basic layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, etc.
• Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core.
• Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.
• Integration of mechanical hardware.
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques as required by aerospace manufacturing.
• You may be asked to work on other Rocket Lab products or travel as needed.

Skills

Composites handling

Lamination

Precision measurement tools

Vacuum bagging

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Torque wrenches

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 rockethas 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.

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

COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN I-III

As a Composites Technician based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support basic composite layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using precision tools. In this role you will work on preparing parts for bagging with bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections, and performing vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications
• Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials
• Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections
• Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
• Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches
• Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core
• Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.
• Integration of mechanical hardware
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as industries such as aerospace, space and other composite workplaces demand.
• You may be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Composites Technician I, Composites Technician II, or Composites Technician III level)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN I:

• High School Diploma or GED

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years of experience with composites or laminations OR
• 2+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 2+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN III:

• 5+ years of experience with composites or laminations OR
• 5+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 5+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment