Space Systems Technician

New Zealand·Aucklandmid

OtherTechnician

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

Precision mechanical and electrical assembly of spacecraft hardware,

Requirements Summary

Trade qualification in relevant industry with 2 + years relevant experience Precision mechanical assembly expertise and experience with mechanical, electrical,

Technical Tools

OtherTechnician

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.

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

We are currently hiring qualified technicians at all levels (up to Senior Technician). If you have the appropriate skills, attitude and personal standards to build best-in class Spacecraft components. We'd like to hear from you!

Responsibilities

~1 min read

→Precision mechanical and electrical assembly of spacecraft hardware, including oxygen and hydrogen peroxide service components to exacting cleanliness standards
→Test components and systems using complex equipment (mass spectrometers, flowmeters, vacuum & thermal chambers)
→Proactively drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, process reliability, or reduce waste
→Maintain exceptional quality standards—raise detailed quality tickets, ensure no faults pass downstream, and ensure accurate traceability
→Demonstrate and enforce safety policies, tool control, and FOD awareness
→Share knowledge freely, anticipate team needs, and be a positive influence on team morale

Senior Technician would be responsible for the following in addition to the above:

→Act as technical subject matter expert—troubleshoot build issues, vet production orders, and perform root cause analysis
→Mentor and train junior technicians, provide constructive feedback, and support team skills development
→Take accountability for meeting schedule demands, support get-well plans, and work additional hours when required
→Support Leading Hand in day-to-day coordination and team alignment

Requirements

~3 min read

Trade qualification in relevant industry with 2 + years relevant experience
Precision mechanical assembly expertise and experience with mechanical, electrical, and automated test equipment
Comfortable working to exacting cleanliness standards for oxygen service and understanding of ESD protocols
Experience mentoring or training junior technicians (preferred)
Ability to read technical drawings, work instructions, and operate shop floor management systems
Strong communication skills with ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
High attention to detail, excellent eyesight for precision inspection work
Proactive mindset—takes initiative, remains calm under pressure, and drives for continuous improvement
Honesty and accountability (mandatory)—owns mistakes and becomes part of the solution
Punctual attendance at shift start (mandatory) and available for domestic/international travel as required

Mentoring/training experience
Strong communication skills
Ability to read technical drawings
Computer literacy
Calm under pressure

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.