Lead Mechanical Technician — Space Launch Pad Systems

Rocket Lab USA; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Lead, Mechanical Technician to support Neutron and Electron launch vehicle programs. You will lead a team of technicians, build, test, and maintain launch pad mechanical and fluid systems while ensuring quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include coordinating daily activities, implementing SOPs, and collaborating with teams across multiple sites to ensure mission readiness and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Manufacturing and integration of complex fluid systems.
• Reading and understanding of fluid system P&ID symbols.
• Reading and understanding of mechanical drawings.
• Tube bending and flaring.
• Operation of high-pressure gas systems.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic system operations and components.
• Communication and data management.
• Familiarity with LOTO best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily activities for up to 10 technicians to ensure pad systems are ready and maintained for operations.
• Provide guidance on workflow best practices and SOP implementations for mechanical and fluids systems.
• Ensure tasks are completed on time and to quality standards.
• Support other operations to assist Rocket Lab program success.
• Be a leader in 5S and SOP adherence.
• Continuously improve preventative maintenance and inspection procedures.
• Maintain launch pad systems and support tooling.
• Fit out, assemble and install pad systems for launch ops.
• Perform precision cleaning of critical components as required.
• Install and remove fluid systems and components including tubing/piping.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and fluid systems issues.
• Collaborate with Rocket Lab manufacturing/integration teams for vehicle prep.
• Coordinate with teams in Auckland, NZ; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS.

Skills

Fluid systems integration

P&ID reading

Mechanical drawings

Tube bending

High-pressure gas systems

Hydraulic & Pneumatic

Communication & data mgmt

LOTO familiarity

Lead small teams

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Lead, Mechanical Technician to support Neutron and Electron launch vehicle programs. You will lead a team of technicians, build, test, and maintain launch pad mechanical and fluid systems while ensuring quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include coordinating daily activities, implementing SOPs, and collaborating with teams across multiple sites to ensure mission readiness and on-time delivery.