Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician
Rocket Lab Corporation
Salary undisclosed
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Description
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 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.
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.
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.
ION PROPULSION PRODUCTION & TEST TECHNICIAN
As an Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of vacuum chambers used for full system Ion Propulsion Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), as well as supporting Thruster and Power Processing Unit (PPU) assembly and sub-system testing
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Operate and maintain vacuum chambers for production and testing of full Ion Propulsion systems, including setup, calibration, and real-time monitoring of test parameters.
- Accurately execute test procedures, document results, and report anomalies or out-of-family data to engineering teams.
- Troubleshoot test failures and collaborate with production, design, and quality engineers to resolve root causes and improve processes.
- Perform routine preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vacuum systems and facility equipment; maintain detailed logs and manage consumables inventory.
- Assemble and test precision thruster and sub-system hardware (including Power Processing Units), ensuring compliance with strict specifications using both common and specialized tools.
- Support engineering teams in troubleshooting build issues, refining maintenance procedures, and training team members as needed.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Trade or degree qualified in relevant industry (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or similar).
- Must be able to demonstrate 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience with operation of mechanical, electrical and automated test equipment.
- Familiarity with thermal systems, vacuum pumps, and pressure measurement.
- Precision mechanical and electrical assembly experience.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Comfortable working to exacting standards, including cleanliness for vacuum environments.
- Sound understanding of standard industry ESD policy.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands on assembly and maintenance.
- Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience operating vacuum chamber systems.
- Experience with data acquisition systems.
- Experience compiling concise and accurate test reports.
- Experience maintaining industrial equipment.
- Experience working with high-voltage electronics.
- Strong work ethic, able to take own initiative.
- Able to remain 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.
About this role
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is seeking a hands-on technician to support the production and testing of ion propulsion systems—the advanced thrusters that power spacecraft bound for the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In this Auckland-based role, you'll operate and maintain vacuum chambers for full system acceptance testing, perform precision assembly of thrusters and power processing units, and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems when issues arise. You'll work directly with production, design, and quality engineers to document test results, resolve failures, and continuously improve processes.
This position requires a trade or degree qualification in a relevant field (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or similar) plus at least four years of hands-on industry experience. You'll need demonstrated competency with mechanical and electrical test equipment, familiarity with vacuum systems and thermal equipment, and the ability to assemble and inspect precision hardware to exacting standards. Experience operating vacuum chambers, working with high-voltage electronics, and compiling accurate test reports would strengthen your candidacy, though the core requirement is a strong mechanical aptitude and the discipline to work methodically in demanding environments.
The role suits someone who thrives on technical problem-solving, takes initiative independently, and can remain composed under pressure while meeting tight deadlines. You'll be part of a team building components for some of the most ambitious space missions globally, working in-office in Auckland.
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