Lead Trainer

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

The Lead Technician Trainer will be based out of Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex in Middle River MD. The Lead Technician Trainer develops and delivers hands‑on training to ensure technicians are proficient in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and repair processes while meeting safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role partners with engineering, quality, and production teams to assess skills, address process gaps, and promote continuous improvement on the shop floor.

• Develop and deliver training programs for aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and repair processes.
• Train personnel on aerospace‑grade materials, including prepregs, resins, fibers, core materials, and adhesives.
• Ensure training emphasizes compliance with aerospace standards, engineering drawings, and specifications (e.g., FAA, AS9100).
• Create and maintain work instructions, visual aids, and training documentation aligned with aerospace quality requirements.
• Evaluate technician proficiency through practical assessments, on‑the‑job observations, and skills certifications.
• Support onboarding, recurrent training, and cross‑training of composite technicians.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to address defects, rework, and process improvements.
• Troubleshoot composite manufacturing issues and incorporate lessons learned into training content.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement on the production floor.

• High School Diploma and 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or related industry.
• Experience in training, developing, and implementing learning strategies.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers.
• Experience training and mentoring newer 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, calipers, micrometers, hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement instruments.
• Familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints.
• Experience working with material data sheets.

• Broad industry manufacturing experience from previous positions.
• Advanced prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross‑functional teams and managing complex projects within a rapidly evolving environment.
• Intermediate math skills.

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as…