R&D Technician -III

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

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.

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, NM, the R&D Technician is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment, building and testing engineering parts, and conducting experiments used to develop new space solar products. You will support R&D engineers in solving design problems related to the integration and assembly of space solar panels, with the ultimate goal of realizing lower cost, lighter weight, more functional, and higher performance space solar panels.

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

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Please note:

This position can be hired at the R&D Technician I, R&D Technician II, or R&D Technician III level)

• Make hands‑on contributions to real hardware that operates in space.
• Participate in the development of leading space solar technology.
• Develop expertise in the use and maintenance of testing and manufacturing equipment:
  • Setup and maintain lab space.
  • Perform minor repairs and calibration of equipment.
• Develop and apply proficiency in assembling space solar panels, specialized tooling and test articles:
  • Configure and build new hardware.
  • Create new work instructions and update existing ones.
• Perform experiments to support engineering projects, involving:
  • New materials
  • New processes
  • New equipment
• Lead the configuration of new products, processes, and test articles:
  • Drawings
  • Part numbers
  • Work instructions.
  • Hardware configuration documents
  • Test plans.

• High school diploma

• 2+ years of technical experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• High school diploma

• 5+ years of technical experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• High school diploma

• Associate's degree in a two-year trade school or community college
• Experience in a high-tech manufacturing company or R&D laboratory.
• Proficiency operating and maintaining manufacturing or laboratory equipment.
• Experience with the assembly of solar panels.
• Experience with resistance welding equipment and processes.

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position.
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must…