Mechanical Technician II

Rocket Lab USA; Virginia; On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team at the forefront of space exploration! As a Mechanical Technician II, you will play a crucial role in building and maintaining the Neutron launch vehicle and its ground systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. You will collaborate with a dedicated team, leading daily operations and contributing to the successful launch of innovative space missions. If you're passionate about aerospace and ready to take your career to new heights, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in mechanical systems.
• High School diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate mechanical subsystems for the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Lead daily activities for a team of technicians.

Skills

Fabrication skills

Troubleshooting

Maintenance skills

Team leadership

Fluid systems knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Telehandler

Boom lift

Power tools

Hydraulic benders

Drill press

Lathe

Job description

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II

The role of Mechanical Technician is key to enabling the build of Neutron facilities to support a timely test and first launch campaign of the Neutron launch vehicle. This role will be part of a tight-knit team of technicians that will lead the build, integration, test, operation, and maintenance of both the Neutron launch vehicle and Neutron ground system assets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Play a crucial role in the fabrication of mechanical subsystems on the test and launch sites supporting Neutron, primarily as they relate to fluids system fabrication.
• Support and as needed lead daily activities for up to 3-5 technicians to meet vehicle integration schedule to support launch pad operations.
• Contribute to workflow/best practices for the launch pad operations.
• Ensure tasks are completed on time and to quality standards.
• Provide support on other operations as needed to support launch ops integration.
• Fit out, assembly and installation of launch pad systems including:
  • Fluid system initial build and commissioning.
  • As needed precision cleaning of critical components.
  • Troubleshooting mechanical issues as needed.
• Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II:

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in the manufacturing and assembly of launch pad fluid systems including: Pneumatic, Cryogenic, Hydraulic, and others.
• Fabrication skills including: Tube bending, tube flaring, orbital tube welding, panel/skid assembly, and others.
• Maintenance skills including: troubleshooting, precision cleaning, components disassembly/assembly, system testing, and others.
• Experience and comfortability with necessary equipment to perform job duties including:
  • forklift, telehandler, boom lift, scissor lift, power tools, hydraulic benders, drill press, lathe, and others.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Prior aerospace experience either in engine test, launch vehicle integration, launch pad fabrication, or equivalent.
• Welding experience, either structural or pipe welding.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.