Launch Technician I - Mechanical
Rocket Lab
Salary undisclosed
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Description
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.
ELECTRON
Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each other’s back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.
LAUNCH TECHNICIAN I - MECHANICAL
As a Launch Technician - Mechanical based at Rocket Lab’s site in Mahia, Gisborne, New Zealand you will be integral to enabling launches at the highest rate. You will be working with a tight-knit team of technicians and engineers to build, test, operate and maintain critical launch systems. This is your opportunity to join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Fit-out, assemble and install launch pad systems, such as heavy engineering structures, mechanisms, fluid lines and associated components, electrical and control hardware and RF equipment.
- Precision cleaning of critical components
- Troubleshooting mechanical issues on launch pad systems.
- Ensure high launch pad and vehicle integrations are smooth.
YOU’LL BRING SOME OR ALL OF THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous experience in the assembly of large structures and mechanisms
- Experience in machining and fabrication
- Experience with fluid systems – pneumatic, cryogenic and/or hydraulics
- Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions.
- Ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.
- Strong communication skills
- Working rights in New Zealand
- Ability to relocate and/or work out of Mahia (rural location).
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience using heavy equipment such as overhead cranes and forklifts
- Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces.
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
At Rocket Lab's Mahia launch site in New Zealand, you'd be hands-on with the mechanical systems that get Electron to the pad. The role involves assembling and installing launch infrastructure—heavy structures, fluid lines, electrical hardware, and RF equipment—alongside troubleshooting issues and ensuring vehicle integration runs smoothly. You'd work within a small, fast-moving team where precision and reliability matter; Electron launches frequently, and the technicians behind it move quickly to meet demanding timelines.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience assembling large structures, working with machining or fabrication, and understanding fluid systems like pneumatics, cryogenics, or hydraulics. You'll need to read schematics confidently, stay composed under pressure, and communicate clearly with your team. Experience with heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts, plus comfort at heights or in confined spaces, would strengthen your application. Critically, you must have New Zealand working rights and be willing to relocate to or commute to the rural Mahia location. Due to U.S. export regulations (ITAR), you'll also need to hold citizenship from an approved country—Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO members—or lack ineligible dual citizenship.
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