Lead Composite Technician- 2nd Shift

Rocketlab; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

3 weeks paid vacation

Free snacks and drinks onsite

Job summary

Rocketlab is seeking a Lead Composite Technician in Middle River, Maryland, to lead the build and assembly of composite components for the Neutron Launch Vehicle. The role demands a combination of leadership and hands-on participation, mentoring the team while maintaining workflow efficiency.

With 10+ years of experience required, candidates will drive quality improvement initiatives and ensure safety compliance. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and a 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading a team in a production environment.
• Familiarity with composite materials and lamination.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of composite technicians and assign job responsibilities.
• Coordinate build activities and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Drive improvements in quality and safety standards.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Assembly

Leadership

Familiarity with tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Inspection 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, 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.

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

• Composite or lamination experience
• Experienced 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, 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

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.

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. 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.

Reasonable Accommodation

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.

ITAR Compliance

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain necessary authorizations under U.S. Government export regulations. The role also requires compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

International Candidate Eligibility

For New Zealand office applicants, eligibility is limited to citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO member states, or those with no ineligible dual citizenship.