Senior Mechanical Technician

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 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.

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 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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Senior Mechanical Technician is responsible for helping build and operate critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicle. You will become skilled in Test Operations roles and be expected to work in collaboration with a team of other technicians and engineers in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation and test efforts.

• Build facility systems of tubing, piping and mechanical structures
• Use knowledge and skills to build mechanical systems that adhere to standards of integrity and cleanliness
• Directly support rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations
• Operate high pressure gas and cryogenic systems using detailed work instructions and proper PPE
• Perform facility checkout and test operations safely while maintaining situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity
• Perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
• Work hand in hand with the GSE teams to complete design, build installation and checkout of facility systems. Provide your expertise in system layout, system operations and test processes

• 8+ years experience in facility operations in aerospace, oil & gas, or heavy industry.
• High School diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
• Experience with high pressure gas and cryogenic systems

• Experience operating and/or building rocket engine test stands or large industrial complexes
• Knowledge of broad industry processes for pressure systems and cleanliness. i.e. (NASA, US Air Force, Department of Defense, ASME or other regulatory agency).
• Post-secondary education that might include technical degrees or licenses (A&P or similar)
• Experience with rocket engines or launch vehicles or similar aerospace hardware
• Experience operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane
• Knowledge of different valve types, fitting and flange types, materials of construction
• Ability to trouble shoot systems and collaborate to develop corrective work instructions
• Basic…