About this job

Rocket Lab is the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch. Launching from right here in New Zealand, we design and build innovative technology to give small satellites a premium ride to orbit.

Small satellites play a crucial role in our day-to-day lives – they connect us, keep us safe, help us understand our planet and manage our impact on it, and they enable us to innovate and explore. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab.

Our relentlessly innovative team is behind Electron, the world’s only truly commercial small satellite launch vehicle in operation today. With multiple orbital launches under our belt, we’re opening access to space to improve life on Earth. We’ve built a world class team with a reputation for doing the impossible. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard and everyone makes a difference. Every day, we pursue ideas that challenge, excite and demand more of us, and we make them real. Be a part of it.

Responsibilities

The role of the Launch Technician – Mechanical is key to enabling LC-1 in delivering launches at the highest rate of any launch site in the world. You will be working with a tight-knit team of technicians and engineers to build, test and maintain critical launch systems.

Key responsibilities

• Fit out, assembly and installation of launch pad systems such as heaving engineering structures, mechanisms, fluid lines and associated components, electrical and control hardware and RF equipment
• Fabrication of jigs, fixtures and tooling
• Pressure and leak testing of fluid systems
• Precision cleaning of critical components
• Troubleshooting mechanical issues on launch pad systems
• Development of preventative maintenance and inspection procedures
• Supporting activities during launch pad and vehicle integration and checkouts
• Routine maintenance and upgrades of the launch systems
• Support launch

This position is based at Mahia peninsula and will involve working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Profile

We are looking for a technically driven individual who wants to be part of changing the way the world accesses space, this opportunity gives the successful individual the chance to make a true contribution to the work Rocket Lab is undertaking.

You will be working on launch critical hardware so it is vital that you have exceptional hand skills and are experienced using a wide variety of tools. You will be challenged on a daily basis and your tasks will be varied.

Minimum Requirements 

• Previous experience in the assembly of large structures and mechanisms
• Experience in machining and fabrication
• Experience with fluid systems – pneumatic, cryogenic and/or hydraulics
• A basic understanding of pressure, temperature and flow measurement instrumentation
• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions
• Strong communication skills with the ability to represent Rocket Lab within the local community and to build strong long term relationships
• Excellent problem solving skills and capable of using your own initiative
• A high level of attention to detail
• Capable of working under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Willingness to travel from Mahia to Auckland when required

Desired Skills

• Experience using heavy equipment such as overhead cranes and forklifts
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces

Important Information:

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.