Technician - Materials Development and Testing

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

SPACE SYSTEMS

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.

TECHNICIAN - MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING

As a Technician – Materials Development and Testing at Rocket Lab, you will be r esponsible for the preparation, testing, and reporting of composite and metallic material specimens to determine mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM and other international standards. Ensure accurate test execution, data collection, and comprehensive documentation to support product qualification, quality assurance, and research and development programs.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Prepare composite and metallic test specimens according to ASTM standards including D3039, D3410, D790, D7078, E8, E9, and similar specifications

Perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding operations using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface preparation equipment

Manufacture test articles of composites, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing

Apply strain gauges, extensometers, and other instrumentation to specimens as required

Integrate thermocouples, RTDs, and instrumentation into test articles for testing of metallic, composite, and polymeric materials

Bond composite end tabs or metal fixtures, and specimens (lap shear, fracture toughness) using appropriate adhesives and curing procedures

Measure and verify specimen dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and optical measurement systems

Document specimen geometry, fiber orientation, batch numbers, and preparation procedures

Maintain specimen identification and traceability throughout preparation process

Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test specification requirements

Inspect specimens for defects, voids, or damage that could affect test validity

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical field; OR

High school diploma/equivalent plus 2+ years relevant laboratory experience

Minimum 1 year experience in materials testing laboratory environment

Demonstrated experience with composite materials preparation and testing

Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems

Experience with precision measurement instruments

Familiarity with MIL-Handbook 17 Vol 1 Polymer Matrix Composites Guidelines for Characterization of Structural Materials.

Understanding of ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.)

Knowledge of composite material structures and failure modes

Familiarity with metallic material properties and behavior

Basic understanding of mechanics of materials and stress-strain relationships

Proficient in Microsoft Excel for data analysis

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications

Basic understanding of statistics for reviewing and reporting test results.

Ability to review and analyse testing results from external laboratories.

High attention to detail and accuracy

Strong manual dexterity for specimen handling and preparation

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Effective written and verbal communication

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Problem-solving aptitude and analytical thinking

Commitment to quality and continuous improvement

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Relevant aerospace industry experience, such as launch service sales, mission marketing, payload integration, orbital network planning, and strategy, or relevant experience in spaceport operations and development.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science

AS9100 or ISO 17025 laboratory experience

Nadcap Materials Testing certification

Experience with advanced composites (carbon fiber, Kevlar, prepreg systems)

Familiarity with aerospace or automotive industry standards

Training in statistical process control (SPC)

Familiarity with post processing of test data in Python, Matlab, or equivalent software

Experience with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or other optical measurement techniques

Certification in adhesive bonding procedures

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 [email protected]. 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