Welder Fabricator II

InvestedintheMission; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Fabrication Technician II to lead fabrication tasks, interpret blueprints, and support vehicle build and GSE repair. The role emphasizes safety, precision, and collaboration with engineers and other technicians.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus 2+ years in fabrication and hands-on tool proficiency. It is a hands-on manufacturing position based at Wallops Island, VA, requiring the ability to operate CNC and welding equipment, lift up to 25

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or certification in fabrication or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency operating fabrication tools and machinery, including CNC, welding equipment, saws, mills and lathes, and various shop tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fabrication tasks, including cutting, welding, machining, painting, and assembling materials and components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to ensure accurate production.
• Operate and maintain fabrication machinery and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Perform custom fabrication work, tailoring projects to specific requirements and customer needs.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other technicians to optimize fabrication processes and solve technical issues.
• Support the repair and fabrication of GSE (Ground Support Equipment), ensuring functionality and reliability.
• Support all aspects of vehicle build, integration, and GSE.
• Join other manufacturing teams on an as-needed basis.
• Support mechanical assembly, vehicle integration, and composites when needed.
• Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
• Attend group meetings and provide ideas on how to overcome challenges through alternative methods.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvements and cost-saving measures.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Manual dexterity

Safety consciousness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification in fabrication (preferred)

Tools

CNC machines

Welding equipment

Saws

Manual mills & lathes

Shop tools

Job description

About The Role

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 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.

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.

FABRICATION TECHNICIAN II

The Fabrication Technician II is a critical team member responsible for leading the fabrication processes, ensuring high-quality outputs, and optimizing production efficiency. This role involves working with various materials, tools, and technologies to create custom parts and components as per specifications, including painting, custom fabrication work, and supporting all aspects of vehicle build, integration, and GSE (Ground Support Equipment) repair and fabrication.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Oversee and execute fabrication tasks, including cutting, welding, machining, painting, and assembling materials and components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to ensure accurate production.
• Operate and maintain fabrication machinery and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Perform custom fabrication work, tailoring projects to specific requirements and customer needs.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other technicians to optimize fabrication processes and solve technical issues.
• Support the repair and fabrication of GSE (Ground Support Equipment), ensuring functionality and reliability.
• Support all aspects of vehicle build, integration, and GSE.
• Join other manufacturing teams on an as-needed basis.
• Support mechanical assembly, vehicle integration, and composites when needed.
• Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
• Attend group meetings and provide ideas on how to overcome challenges through alternative methods.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvements and cost-saving measures.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or certification in fabrication or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in operating fabrication tools and machinery, including CNC machines, welding equipment, saws, manual mills and lathes, and various shop tools (e.g., sanders, cutters, bandsaws, table saws).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• A&P Certification (Airframe and Powerplant).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

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.

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