Mechanical Technician I
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.
NEUTRON
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.
MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN I – A SHIFT
Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Senior Mechanical Technician is responsible for helping build and operate critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicle. You will become skilled in Test Operations roles and be expected to work in collaboration with a team of other technicians and engineers in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation and test efforts.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Build facility systems of tubing, piping and mechanical structures
- Use knowledge and skills to build mechanical systems that adhere to standards of integrity and cleanliness
- Directly support rocket engine hardware processing and checkout operations
- Operate high pressure gas and cryogenic systems using detailed work instructions and proper PPE
- Perform facility checkout and test operations safely while maintaining situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity
- Perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
- Work hand in hand with the GSE teams to complete design, build, installation and checkout of facility systems. Provide your expertise in system layout, system operations and test processes
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN I:
- High School diploma or GED
- 1+ years experience in mechanical systems
- Demonstrated experience building and activating facility systems.
- Experience with high pressure gas and cryogenic systems
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience operating and/or building rocket engine test stands or large industrial complexes
- Knowledge of broad industry processes for pressure systems and cleanliness. i.e. (NASA, US Air Force, Department of Defense, ASME or other regulatory agency).
- Post-secondary education that might include technical degrees or licenses (A&P or similar)
- Experience with rocket engines or launch vehicles or similar aerospace hardware
- Experience operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane
- Knowledge of different valve types, fitting and flange types, materials of construction
- Ability to trouble shoot systems and collaborate to develop corrective work instructions
- Basic computer skills in MS Office, email, collaborative networks like JIRA or CONFLUENCE
- Demonstrated experience working with various trade disciplines, fabricators and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution
- A background in collaborative work to accomplish difficult tasks
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be willing to work A shift (Monday- Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm)
- 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
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
# About This Role
Rocket Lab is hiring a Mechanical Technician I to support test operations at their Stennis Space Center facility in Mississippi. You'll work on building and operating critical infrastructure for the Archimedes rocket engine and Neutron launch vehicle—specifically constructing tubing, piping, and mechanical systems, then operating high-pressure gas and cryogenic equipment during facility checkout and testing. This is hands-on hardware work where you'll troubleshoot issues, collaborate with engineers and other technicians, and contribute directly to rocket engine testing operations.
The role requires at least one year of mechanical systems experience and demonstrated capability building and activating facility systems, particularly with high-pressure gas or cryogenic equipment. You'll be on an A shift schedule (Monday–Thursday, 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) and need to be comfortable with sustained physical demands: standing for eight hours, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Prior experience with rocket engine test stands, aerospace hardware, or large industrial complexes is valued but not required. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is mandatory due to ITAR regulations governing space technology.
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