GSE Mechanical Technician II, III, Senior

industrial maintenance jobs; Mississippi; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Mississippi seeks a skilled GSE Mechanical Technician (II, III, or Senior) to build and operate critical test facilities for the Arimedes engine and Neutron launch vehicle. You will work with technicians and engineers to design, assemble, and activate facility systems, ensuring safety and accuracy throughout testing.

The role requires experience with high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems, strong teamwork, and a hands‑on approach to problem solving; ITAR compliance and background

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of facility operations experience (Technician II).
• 5 years of facility operations for Technician III.
• 8+ years for Senior Technician in aerospace or heavy industry.
• Experience with high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems.
• Proven ability to build and activate facility systems.

Responsibilities

• Build facility systems of tubing, piping, and mechanical structures.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to meet integrity and cleanliness standards.
• Assist with rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations.
• Operate high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems following detailed work instructions.
• Conduct facility checkout and test operations safely and communicate clearly.
• Troubleshoot facility and test operation issues.
• Collaborate with GSE teams to design, install, and check out facility systems.

Skills

Facility operations

High‑pressure gas systems

Cryogenic systems

Mechanical assembly

Collaborative work ethic

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

JIRA

Confluence

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. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. All of this is done while we develop Neutron, our forthcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

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, III, or Senior)

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the GSE Mechanical Technician supports the Arimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicle. The role involves building and operating critical test facilities, collaborating with technicians and engineers, and contributing to the overall design, build, activation, and test efforts of the facility.

What you’ll do

• Build facility systems of tubing, piping, and mechanical structures.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to ensure systems meet integrity and cleanliness standards.
• Assist with rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations.
• Operate high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems following detailed work instructions and proper PPE.
• Conduct facility checkout and test operations safely, maintaining situational awareness and clear communication.
• Troubleshoot facility and test operation issues.
• Collaborate with GSE teams to design, install, and check out facility systems.

Qualifications – Technician II

• At least 2 years of experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• Proven collaborative work ethic.
• Experience with high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems.

Qualifications – Technician III

• At least 5 years of experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• Proven collaborative work ethic.
• Experience with high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems.

Qualifications – Senior Mechanical Technician

• At least 8 years of experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• Proven collaborative work ethic.
• Experience with high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems.

Additional desirable qualifications

• Experience operating and/or building rocket engine test stands or large industrial complexes.
• Knowledge of industry processes for pressure systems and cleanliness (e.g., NASA, U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, ASME).
• Post‑secondary education or technical licenses (A&P or similar).
• Experience with rocket engines or launch vehicles.
• Familiarity with liquid oxygen and liquid methane facilities.
• Knowledge of valve types, fittings, flanges, and materials of construction.
• Ability to troubleshoot systems and develop corrective work instructions.
• Basic computer skills in MS Office, e‑mail, and collaborative networks (JIRA or Confluence).
• Experience coordinating with trade disciplines, fabricators, and suppliers to achieve on‑time project delivery.

What to expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. The role demands hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving seemingly impossible goals. Candidates will thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivering solutions rather than dwelling on challenges.

Important information for U.S. office candidates

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Important information for New Zealand office candidates

For security reasons, background checks, including nationality checks, will be conducted prior to any employment offer. Candidates must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member state, or hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality as specified by ITAR regulations.

EEO Statement

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. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process for a U.S. job should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered.