Technician III - Materials Development and Testing

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company specializing in the design and manufacture of rockets, spacecraft, and essential subsystems that support global connectivity and advance humanity's exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our fast-paced environment focuses on building tangible hardware for impactful missions, making once-impossible feats a daily reality.

As part of our Space Systems division, we create everything from whole spacecraft and precise payloads to critical components such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, and radios that operate successfully in space. We have contributed to over 1,700 missions, including interplanetary travel and national security projects, collaborating with partners like NASA and the U.S. Space Force.

Role Overview

The Technician III in Materials Development and Testing will be responsible for preparing and testing composite and metallic material samples to determine their mechanical properties following ASTM and other international standards. The role involves meticulous test execution, comprehensive data collection, and detailed reporting to support areas like product qualification, quality control, and research and development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare composite and metal test specimens following standards such as ASTM D3039, D3410, D790, D7078, E8, and E9.
• Use diamond saws, CNC milling machines, and surface preparation tools with precision for specimen cutting and machining.
• Fabricate test samples from composites, textiles, and insulation materials for mechanical and thermal assessments.
• Apply instrumentation like strain gauges and extensometers as required on specimens.
• Integrate temperature sensors such as thermocouples and RTDs into materials for testing purposes.
• Secure composite end tabs and metal fixtures to samples using correct adhesives and curing methods for tests such as lap shear or fracture toughness.
• Accurately measure sample dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and optical devices.
• Document specimen properties including geometry, fiber orientation, and batch information thoroughly.
• Maintain traceability and specimen identification through all preparation stages.
• Condition samples in environmental chambers per testing requirements.
• Inspect specimens for defects or damage that could invalidate test results.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or similar, or a high school diploma with at least two years of relevant lab experience.
• A minimum of one year experience in a materials testing laboratory environment.
• Hands-on expertise in preparing and testing composite materials.
• Proficient operation of universal testing machines and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with precision measurement tools.
• Knowledge of MIL-Handbook 17 Vol 1 and ASTM test standards like D3039, D3410, and D790.
• Understanding composite structures, failure mechanisms, and metallic material behavior.
• Basic grasp of material mechanics and stress-strain relationships.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with statistical methods for test result analysis and review.
• Capability to evaluate testing results from external labs.
• High attention to detail with strong manual dexterity for sample handling.
• Excellent organizational, time management, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Independent working ability with minimal oversight along with sound problem-solving skills.
• Dedication to maintaining quality and pursuing continuous improvement.

Preferred Experience and Certifications

• Background in aerospace industry activities like launch services, mission marketing, payload integration, or spaceport operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Materials Science.
• Experience with AS9100 or ISO 17025 laboratory standards.
• Nadcap certification for materials testing.
• Knowledge of advanced composites such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and prepreg technologies.
• Familiarity with aerospace/automotive industry standards.
• Training in statistical process control techniques.
• Experience with test data post-processing using Python, Matlab, or similar tools.
• Use of advanced optical methods like Digital Image Correlation.
• Certification related to adhesive bonding procedures.

Additional Information

Our team thrives on innovation, perseverance, and collaboration, working under pressure to meet tight deadlines while focusing on delivery and quality. We value diverse backgrounds and prohibit discrimination in any form.

Important Notes:

For applicants targeting U.S. facilities, eligibility to work under U.S. Government export regulations including ITAR is mandatory, requiring U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or authorization from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.

For candidates seeking roles in New Zealand offices, background checks including nationality verification will be conducted due to ITAR compliance. Eligibility generally requires citizenship in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, NATO member countries, or absence of disqualifying dual nationality.