Composites Technician – Level I-IV

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

Composite Technician- LEVELS I-IV

SolAero has an immediate need for Technicians of all levels for team to join a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment in Albuquerque.

What you’ll get to do:

• Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications
• Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials
• Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections
• Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
• Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches
• Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core
• Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.
• Integration of mechanical hardware
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as industries such as aerospace, space and other composite workplaces demand.
• You may be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

This requisition can be hired at a Technician Level I, II, III or IV.

You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech I:

• Minimum 1+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 2+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 2+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic Math Skills
• Knowledge of the following tool use (or if no previous experience, open to training on):
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Caliper
  • Micrometers
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools
  • Precision measurement instruments
  • familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints
  • Experience working with material data sheets
• Shop organization and cleanliness
• Use of personal protective equipment

You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech II:

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 4+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 4+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be certified or able to become certified in two composite work centers
• Intermediate Math Skills
• Experience in the use of the following tools to achieve complex composite assemblies:
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Caliper
  • Micrometers
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools
  • Precision measurement instruments
  • familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints
  • Experience working with material data sheets
• Shop organization and cleanliness
• Use of personal protective equipment

You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech III:

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 7+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 7+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composite work centers
• Intermediate Math Skills
• Significant on the job experience of the following tool use to achieve complex composite assemblies:
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Caliper
  • Micrometers
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools
  • Precision measurement instruments
  • familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints
  • Experience working with material data sheets
• Shop organization and cleanliness
• Use of personal protective equipment

You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech IV:

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR
• 13+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 13+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers
• Intermediate Math Skills
• Experience training and mentoring newer composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes
  • Expert knowledge of the following tool use and demonstrated capability to apply them to achieve complex composite assemblies:
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Caliper
  • Micrometers
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools
  • Precision measurement instruments
  • familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints
  • Experience working with material data sheets
• Shop organization and cleanliness
• Use of personal protective equipment

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing
• Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments
• 1+ years composite experience (aerospace industry experience preferred)
• Advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge
• Resin infusion knowledge

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 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.