Mechanical Technician III

Rocket Lab USA; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Virginia is seeking a Mechanical Technician III to help build the Neutron launch facilities and support the test and first launch campaign. You will work with a tight-knit team on fabrication, assembly, testing, and maintenance of the Neutron vehicle and ground systems.

The role requires a high school diploma, 5+ years in aerospace or related field, experience with hydraulics/pneumatics, and ability to read schematics and use hand and power tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years in aerospace/industrial environment.
• Experience with hydraulics, pneumatics and/or fluid components.
• Experience assembling large structures and mechanisms.
• Proficient with hand tools, power tools and measurement devices.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate mechanical subsystems for Neutron test and launch sites, focusing on fluids systems.
• Lead daily activities for up to 3–5 technicians to meet integration schedules.
• Contribute to workflows and best practices for launch pad operations.
• Ensure tasks meet quality standards and are completed on time.
• Provide support to other operations to aid launch integration.
• Fit out, assemble, and install launch pad systems and subsystems.

Skills

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Fluid systems

Mechanical assembly

Hand & power tools

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Overhead cranes

Forklifts

Boom lifts

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 LEVEL III

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 groundsystem assets.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO 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 supportonother operations as needed to support launch ops Integration


• Fit out, assembly and installation of launch pad systems including:
  
  
  
  • Fluid systeminitialbuild 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 III:

• High School diploma or GED


• 5+ years of experience within an aerospace, industrial or relevant industry environment


• Experience with hydraulics, pneumatics and/or fluid components


• Previous experience in the assembly of large structures and mechanisms


• Knowledge and skill in the use of hand, power and measurement tools used in mechanical construction

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions


• Experience using heavy equipment such as overhead cranes, forklifts and boom lifts


• Understanding of fluid systems - pneumatic, cryogenic and/or hydraulic


• Basic understanding of pressure, temperature and flow measurement instrumentation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces


• Climb ladders and work at elevated height 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

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (VA Only)
$26—$39 USD

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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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] 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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. 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 the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.