Lead Composite Technician- 2nd Shift

Lead Composite Technician

The Lead Composite Technician is responsible for leading the build and assembly of composite components used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure. The role actively participates in hands‑on work and sets daily job assignments to meet workflow demands, drives progress, mentors and trains the team, and ensures health and safety standards are met.

• Lead a team of highly qualified composite technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at our Space Structures Complex.
• Coordinate build activities and progress through daily leadership meetings, addressing daily, weekly, and long‑term levels.
• Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team.
• Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that decrease touch‑time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk.
• Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility.
• Accountable for the team training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures, including use of proper PPE.
• 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.
• Make basic layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points and check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches.
• Fit honeycomb, foam and syntactic core.
• Fit and refurbish thermal protection systems.
• Integrate mechanical hardware.
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as required in aerospace or related industries.
• May be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, installation, or repair within a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Familiarity with hand, power, pneumatic, and inspection tools.
• Experience leading a team in a production environment.

• Composite or laminate experience.
• Experience in core bond and splicing.
• Broad industry manufacturing experience.
• Advanced prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
• Resin infusion knowledge.
• Experience working with material data sheets.
• Familiarity with drilling, laminating, and assembly prints.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers.
• Experience training and mentoring composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes.

• Stand and walk for the entire shift on various work surfaces.
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed.
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base Pay Range (MD Only): $37 USD - $45 USD. Employees may also receive company equity and a robust benefits package that includes a top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, three weeks paid vacation, five days sick leave per year, eleven paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase…