GSE Mechanical Technician II

rocketlab; Mississippi; On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is hiring a GSE Mechanical Technician II to help build and operate test facilities at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. You will work with engineers and technicians to support Archimedes engine tests and the Neutron program, ensuring integrity and safety in facility systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and collaboration across teams, with emphasis on high-pressure gas and cryogenic system operations, and a commitment to rigorous standards of

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High School diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.

Responsibilities

• Build facility systems of tubing, piping and mechanical structures.
• Support rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations.
• Operate high pressure gas and cryogenic systems.
• Perform facility checkout and test operations safely.
• Troubleshoot facility and test operations issues.
• Collaborate with GSE teams on design, build, installation and checkout of facility systems.

Skills

Facility operations

Team collaboration

Gas systems

Cryogenics

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

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.

GSE MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the GSE Mechanical Technician is responsible for helping build and operate critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicle. You will become skilled in Test Operations roles and be expected to work in collaboration with a team of other technicians and engineers in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation and test efforts.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Build facility systems of tubing, piping and mechanical structures
• Use knowledge and skills to build mechanical systems that adhere to standards of integrity and cleanliness
• Directly support rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations
• Operate high pressure gas and cryogenic systems using detailed work instructions and proper PPE
• Perform facility checkout and test operations safely while maintaining situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity
• Perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
• Work hand in hand with the GSE teams to complete design, build, installation and checkout of facility systems. Provide your expertise in system layout, system operations and test processes

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High School diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• A background in collaborative work to accomplish difficult tasks
• Experience with high pressure gas and cryogenic systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience operating and/or building rocket engine test stands or large industrial complexes
• Knowledge of broad industry processes for pressure systems and cleanliness. i.e. (NASA, US Air Force, Department of Defense, ASME or other regulatory agency).
• Post-secondary education that might include technical degrees or licenses (A&P or similar)
• Experience with rocket engines or launch vehicles or similar aerospace hardware
• Experience operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane
• Knowledge of different valve types, fitting and flange types, materials of construction
• Ability to trouble shoot systems and collaborate to develop corrective work instructions
• Basic computer skills in MS Office, email and collaborative networks like JIRA or CONFLUENCE
• Demonstrated experience working with various trade disciplines, fabricators and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods - 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

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. Dep