Lead Composite Technician- 2nd Shift

Rocket Lab USA; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Middle River, Maryland, is seeking a Lead Composite Technician to oversee the assembly of composite components for the Neutron Launch Vehicle. This influential role requires exceptional hands-on work and leadership in a dynamic production environment.

The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting and assembly, along with excellent team leadership skills. A comprehensive benefits package, including flexible spending accounts, medical coverage, and paid time off, will be offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, installation, or repair.
• Familiarity with various power, pneumatic, and inspection tools.
• Experience leading a team in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians ensuring accountability and clarity.
• Coordinate build activities through daily leadership meetings.
• Track output against delivery objectives.
• Drive improvement projects to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Mentor and train team members.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Assembly and installation

Team leadership

Familiarity with tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Inspection tools

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 rocket has 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.

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.

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, and actively participates in hands‑on work as part of this working lead role. This will be a highly influential position with daily responsibility for setting job assignments to meet workflow demands and to drive daily progress. The Lead Composite Technician will be a key stakeholder in mentoring and training the team. In this role you must be an inspiring leader and set standards for the team but also be ready to work with your hands in the field.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• 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.
• 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.

YOU'LL BRING THESE 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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Composite or lamination experience.
• Experience in core bond and splicing.
• Broad industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments.
• Advanced prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
• Resin infusion knowledge.
• Experience working with material data sheets.
• Familiarity working with and conforming to 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 entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
• Climb ladders and work at elevated heights, 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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 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: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $37—$45 USD.

LEGAL & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENTS

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. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.