Lead Composite Technician- 2nd Shift

Rocket Lab; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 50,971 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical HMO, PPO

100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option

Three weeks paid vacation

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Discounted employee stock purchase program

Free snacks and drinks onsite

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Composite Technician based in Baltimore, Maryland, responsible for leading the build and assembly of composite components for the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure. The successful candidate will coordinate a team, ensuring they meet workflow demands while adhering to health and safety standards.

With at least 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, candidates must show proficiency in mechanical assembly and team leadership. Rocket Lab offers competitive compensation, including a salary ranging from $37 to $45 per hour, and benefits including health insurance and stock options.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting or assembly.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools is required.
• Experience leading a production team is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of composite technicians and assign daily tasks.
• Coordinate build activities and manage team capacity.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety policies.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Assembly and installation

Team leadership

Power tools

Inspection tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Pneumatic tools

Job description

Lead Composite Technician

The Lead Composite Technician is responsible for leading the build and assembly of composite components used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure. The role actively participates in hands‑on work and sets daily job assignments to meet workflow demands, drives progress, mentors and trains the team, and ensures health and safety standards are met.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of highly qualified composite technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at our Space Structures Complex.
• Coordinate build activities and progress through daily leadership meetings, addressing daily, weekly, and long‑term levels.
• Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team.
• Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that decrease touch‑time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk.
• Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility.
• Accountable for the team training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures, including use of proper PPE.
• 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.
• Make basic layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches.
• Fit honeycomb, foam and syntactic core.
• Fit and refurbish thermal protection systems.
• Integrate mechanical hardware.
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as required in aerospace or related industries.
• May be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, installation, or repair within a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Familiarity with hand, power, pneumatic, and inspection tools.
• Experience leading a team in a production environment.

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Composite or laminate experience.
• Experience in core bond and splicing.
• Broad industry manufacturing experience.
• Advanced prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
• Resin infusion knowledge.
• Experience working with material data sheets.
• Familiarity with drilling, laminating, and assembly prints.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers.
• Experience training and mentoring composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes.

Additional Requirements

• Stand and walk for the entire shift on various work surfaces.
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed.
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Benefits and Compensation

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base Pay Range (MD Only): $37 USD - $45 USD. Employees may also receive company equity and a robust benefits package that includes a top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, three weeks paid vacation, five days sick leave per year, eleven paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program and free snacks and drinks onsite.

EEO and Eligibility

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 permanent resident, or meet specified eligibility requirements. 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 job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. 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 ITAR. 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 NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.