AFP Operator Weekend Shift

AFP Operator - All Levels
- Weekend Shift

Middle River, MD

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.

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.

Rocket Lab is building parts with the world's largest post-style automated fiber placement machine (AFP) at our Space Structures Complex in Middle River. As an AFP Operator, you'll get to build some of the largest carbon fiber composite fuselage structures ever made using cutting-edge technologies and space grade materials.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Set up, calibrate, maintain, and operate the Rocket Lab Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine to manufacture large carbon fiber structures for the Neutron Rocket.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on AFP machine parts and subassemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Programming teams to drive continuous process improvements.
• Work with the facilities team to ensure all equipment remains safe, efficient, and operational.
• Train on new processes and assist in transitioning new components to AFP manufacturing.
• Load and unload composite tooling and molds from the AFP machine.
• Gain hands-on experience diagnosing defects, performing rework and splice repairs, and loading/unloading composite materials onto the AFP machine while ensuring proper alignment and placement during the lamination process.
• Contribute to the creation and resolution of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Document machine stoppages, reference Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and follow detailed Work Instructions.
• Provide support for additional build activities across the site as needed.

This position can be hired as a AFP Operator I, AFP Operator II, AFP Operator III, or Senior AFP Operator.

You'll Bring These Qualifications As AFP Operator I:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).

You'll Bring These Qualifications As AFP Operator II:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in machining or composites manufacturing.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).

You'll Bring These Qualifications As AFP Operator III:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 5+ years of experience in composites production and manufacturing, including expertise in filament winding, Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), and related processes.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).

You'll Bring These Qualifications As Senior AFP Operator:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 8+ years of experience in composites production and manufacturing, including expertise in filament winding, Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), and related processes.
• Basic knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Drawings and GD&T.
• Basic math skills (including decimals, fractions, and conversions).
• Familiarity with measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Associate's degree in a technical field
• Skilled in reading and interpreting technical drawings and production documentation
• Hands-on experience in setting up and operating filament winding or…