Technician I-III, Ops Support - Equipment Maintenance (EES)

Rocketlab; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Albuquerque, New Mexico is seeking a Technician I-III for Ops Support - Equipment Maintenance. You will maintain and troubleshoot semiconductor manufacturing equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

This role requires experience in repairing equipment, working with engineers to resolve issues, and participating in training new technicians. We emphasize innovation and teamwork to achieve our mission of unlocking the potential of space.

Qualifications

• Experience troubleshooting, repairing and performing maintenance on semiconductor and solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with installing and relocating semiconductor and manufacturing equipment.
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical experience.

Responsibilities

• Service, maintain and troubleshoot equipment and manufacturing tools related to the function.
• Works with engineers and managers to resolve issues.
• Identify nonconformance and participate in finding solutions.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Mechanical experience

Electrical experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Manufacturing equipment

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

TECHNICIAN I-III, OPS SUPPORT - EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (EES)

Based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico the Technician I-III, Ops Support - Equipment Maintenance (EES) is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and troubleshooting of assigned semiconductor and composites manufacturing equipment to ensure that the equipment is running safely and efficiently to meet production objectives. You will support the Operations Manager and operations organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Ops. Support Technician I, Ops. Support Technician II, Ops. Support Technician III level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Service, maintain and troubleshoot equipment and manufacturing tools related to the function and operation of an aerospace composites and semiconductor plant and facility including gasses, chemicals, compressed air, water and waste streams.
• Troubleshoot and repair of manufacturing and support equipment and systems.
• Works with engineers and managers to resolve issues or plan for acquiring/installing new equipment or systems.
• Locate and order parts and materials.
• Assumes leadership role in training and support of new technicians.
• Maintain facility data collection requirements and procedures.
• Identifies nonconformance when they occur and participates in finding the solution to the non‑conformance.
• Deploys the Quality Management System as it applies to the scope of work.
• Supports Facilities shut down and projects off shift as scheduled by department management.
• Serve as member of Emergency Response Team.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A TECHNICIAN I, OPS. SUPPORT:

• Experience troubleshooting, repairing and performing maintenance on semiconductor and solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with installing and relocating semiconductor and manufacturing equipment
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical experience
• High school diploma or GED
• Experience using a respirator

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A TECHNICIAN II, OPS. SUPPORT:

• 2+ years of experience troubleshooting, repairing and performing maintenance on semiconductor and solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with installing and relocating semiconductor and manufacturing equipment
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical experience
• High school diploma
• Experience using a respirator

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A TECHNICIAN III, OPS. SUPPORT:

• 5+ years of experience troubleshooting, repairing and performing maintenance on semiconductor and solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with installing and relocating semiconductor and manufacturing equipment
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical experience
• High school diploma
• Experience using a respirator

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

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]. 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.

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 do not 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.