Lead Composite Technician

Lead Composite Technician

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.

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.

The Lead Composite Technician is responsible for leading the build and assembly of composite components used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure, and actively participates in hands-on work as part of this working lead role. This will be a highly influential position with daily responsibility for setting job assignments to meet workflow demands and to drive daily progress. The Lead Composite Technician will be a key stakeholder in mentoring and training the team. In this role you must be an inspiring leader and set standards for the team but also be ready to work with your hands in the field.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Lead a team of highly qualified composited technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at our Space Structures Complex.
• Coordinate build activities and progress through daily leadership meetings, addressing daily, weekly, and long-term levels.
• Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team.
• Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that decrease touch-time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk.
• Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility.
• Accountable for the team training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures, including use of proper PPE.
• Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications.
• Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials.
• Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections.
• Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing.
• Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches.
• Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core.
• Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.
• Integration of mechanical hardware.
• Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as industries such as aerospace, space and other composite workplaces demand.
• You may be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, installation, or repair within a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Familiarity with hand, power, pneumatic, and inspection tools.
• Experience leading a team in a production environment.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Composite or lamination experience.
• Experienced in Core bond and Splicing.
• Broad industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments.
• Advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge.
• Resin infusion knowledge.
• Experience working with material data sheets.
• Familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers.
• Experience training and mentoring composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes.

Additional Requirements:

• 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 be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$35.38 - $44.23 USD