Neutron Composite Technician

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise that designs, manufactures, and operates rockets, spacecraft, and vital subsystems to maintain global connectivity, protection, and expand human presence to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The company prides itself on rapid innovation, building tangible hardware for significant missions, and routinely accomplishing ambitious goals. Join us to shape the future of space exploration.

Neutron Launch Vehicle Project

The Neutron rocket is a medium-lift launch vehicle designed to enable next-generation mega constellations, deliver high assurance payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a largely reusable platform, Neutron aims to offer a cost-effective and reliable launch alternative, building on Rocket Lab's success with the Electron program. The Neutron team is responsible for realizing this new large rocket and its associated launch and test facilities. This includes tasks from structural design and testing, engine commissioning, to establishing launch pads and test sites primarily across the US. Joining this project provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the inaugural flight of this large rocket.

Role Overview

Your primary focus will be on the composite structures of the Neutron launch vehicle, including pressurized tanks, unpressurized sections, and fairings within both the S2 and S1 stages. This role demands comprehensive knowledge of composite manufacturing practices, product experience, and a willingness to experiment with innovative fabrication methods.

Tied closely to Research and Development efforts, you will collaborate with both internal teams and external partners to execute test campaigns at various component scales. Emphasizing cost-efficiency and lean manufacturing principles will be critical. Success in this role hinges on strong project timeline awareness and accurate delivery estimates, which are vital to the broader project milestones.

Given the project's complexity and scope, you will help resolve handling and logistical challenges based on your expertise and problem-solving skills. Balancing the urgency of rapid development cycles with the necessity of meeting final product specifications is essential. As Neutron advances into production phases, further opportunities will arise, including involvement in Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities in New Zealand and the United States.

Candidate Profile

• In-depth expertise in advanced Prepreg composite manufacturing methods
• Proficient in core bonding and composite splicing techniques
• Knowledgeable about resin infusion processes
• Diverse manufacturing experience within the composites industry
• Basic computer literacy
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities
• Minimum of three years’ industry experience

Work Culture and Expectations

Rocket Lab is committed to unlocking space’s potential to enhance life on Earth. This ambitious mission requires determination, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a relentless drive to achieve what others regard as impossible. Team members are expected to be collaborative, put aside egos, and engage hands-on in all tasks, big or small. The work environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines, focusing on practical delivery over dwelling on obstacles.

Additional Information

For candidates aiming to work at US offices: Employment eligibility is subject to compliance with US governmental export controls (ITAR), requiring US citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or appropriate authorization from US authorities.

For candidates considering New Zealand offices: Security background checks, including nationality verification, are mandatory due to ITAR regulations. Applicants without citizenship from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, NATO member countries, or holding disqualifying dual citizenship may be ineligible for this role.