Composite Technician I-III

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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

As a Composites Technician based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support basic composite layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using precision tools. In this role you will work on preparing parts for bagging with bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections, and performing vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing.

Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

• 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.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Composites Technician I, Composites Technician II, or Composites Technician III level)

• High School Diploma or GED

• 2+ years of experience with composites or laminations 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

• 5+ years of experience with composites or laminations OR
• 5+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR
• 5+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment
• High School Diploma or GED

• 8+ years of experience with composites or laminations
• 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

• Standing for long…