Operator, Production – Levels I-IV

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!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

OPERATOR, PRODUCTION – LEVELS I-IV

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we are looking for Operators at all levels to join our production team and work in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment. Rocket Lab is a leading provider of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products for satellite and aerospace applications. We are the world’s only vertically integrated, end-to-end supplier of satellite solar arrays. Our proven flight heritage, high-volume production capability, and technology position us to service the world’s most demanding satellite applications. Our space solar products have powered over 1,000 satellites in orbit to date.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

You will be responsible for performing a variety of functions in the production of semiconductor devices, as well as specific process steps in the assembly and test of production units.

This position has multiple shifts available. While you’ll have an assigned shift, the training hours may vary when you start. Certain shifts may qualify for a shift differential on the base pay, depending on the hours and schedule:

• A-Shift: 6:00am-6:30pm Sunday-Wednesday
• B-shift: 6:00am-6:30pm Wednesday-Saturday
• C-Shift: 6:00pm-6:30am Sunday-Tuesday and alternating Saturday
• D-Shift: 6:00pm-6:30am Wednesday- Friday and alternating Saturday’s
• 4/10 Shift: Monday-Thursday, 10-hour shifts

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A LEVEL I:

• Must be certified (or ready to be certified per supervisor) in 1 work center.
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions.
• Ability to collect and record data.
• Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
• Ability to hear and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to identify failure discrepancies per visual and/or written descriptions.
• Ability to keep a well-organized, clean and safe working station/environment.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, volume and distance.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Ability to set-up and prepare workstation/assembly fixtures.
• Ability to use a microscope.
• Ability to use computer hardware and software, including MS Office.
• Ability to use various test equipment.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Acquires job skills and learns company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks.
• May be required to dispense adhesives.
• May be required to measure and pour chemicals.
• May be required to operate UV curing systems and thermal curing ovens.
• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A LEVEL II:

• Operator II:All qualifications of an operator level I above must be met plus the requirements below:
• Must be certified in two work centers.
• 2+ years of experience
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks.
• Actively plans, schedules, coordinates work into the area.
• Average verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of ESD and Cleanroom procedures required.
• Must know process flows.
• Participates on cross- functional and area specific teams (ex. Lean Team).
• Possesses ability to train an inexperienced operator.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A LEVEL III:

• Operator III: All qualifications of an Operator level I-II above must be met plus the requirements below.
• Must be certified in three work centers.
• 5+ years of experience
• Must know process flows and be able to check WIP levels in certified Work Centers to determine area of priority.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Has substantial understanding of the job and applies knowledge and skills to complete a wide range of tasks.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A LEVEL IV:

• Operator IV: All qualifications of an Operator level I-III above must be met plus the requirements below.
• Must be certified in four work centers.
• Must have 8+ years of experience.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, or diagram form.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference and volume.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Above average verbal and written communication skills are necessary as this position may interact with all facets of production and quality.
• Above average verbal and written communication skills are necessary as this position may interact with all facets of production and quality.
• Actively plans, schedules, coordinates work into and out of the area.
• As a skilled specialist, completes tasks in creative and effective ways.
• Must possess leadership abilities.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Regularly required to use hands to handle.
• Frequently required to stand and walk up to 95% of the working shift.
• Occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (50 lbs. team lift or using appropriate PPE)
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Will work with or near chemicals with various hazard levels and consequences of exposure which requires the operator to understand and follow precisely the hazard controls and operational procedures provided in Safety Data Sheets and Work Instructions for the chemicals they handle and tools they operate in order to prevent exposures.
• May be assigned work with tools, equipment, or work functions designed to an ergonomic standard that does not protect all workers from repetitive stress injuries which will require the operator to maintain vigilant situational awareness and close communication with supervisors to prevent injury.
• Must be able to detect and respond promptly and without assistance to equipment and plant casualty alarms.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Manual dexterity to manipulate multiple operations under a microscope, including assembly and testing of small assemblies.

#RL1

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 Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.