- Home
- Jobs
- 2245 Neutron - LC3
- Lead, Mechanical Technician

Lead, Mechanical Technician at Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VAFull-time2245 Neutron - LC3Posted 1 day ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p>
<p>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.</p></div><p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>NEUTRON</strong> </span></p>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">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. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! </span></p>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>LEAD, MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN</strong> </span></p>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">The role of Mechanical Technician is key to building, testing, implementing and maintaining the support infrastructure needed for both the Neutron and Electron Launch vehicles. With a focus on fluid and mechanical systems, you will be part of a tight-knit team of technicians to build, integrate, test, and maintain critical launch systems. You will work with other team leads to maintain Rocket Lab's high standards of quality and workmanship, promoting a culture of attention to detail, work ethic and excellence. You may be working autonomously in a specific work area and/or mentoring a group of Technicians and/or Apprentices. You will be responsible for producing and signing off flight support hardware, validating the quality of the product and ensuring no fault are passed downstream.</span></p>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>WHAT YOU’LL GET TO TO DO:</strong> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Participate in team of technicians dedicated to building a state of the launch pad for Neutron Launch Vehicle.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Lead daily activities for up to 10 technicians to ensure pad systems are ready and maintained for operations. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Contribute to workflow best practices and the implementation of SOPs for all aspects of mechanical and fluids systems build. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Ensure tasks are completed on time and to quality standards. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Provide support on other operations as needed to assist in overall Rocket Lab program success.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Be a leader in 5S ensuring the team is following SOPs. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Continued improvement of preventative maintenance and inspection procedures.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Routine maintenance and upgrades of the launch pad systems and support tooling.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Fit out, assembly and installation of launch pad systems to support launch operations including: </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">As needed Precision cleaning of critical components.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Install and removal of various fluid systems and components including tubing and piping systems.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Troubleshooting mechanical and fluid systems issues as needed.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams for vehicle integration, testing and preparation for launch ops.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS. </span></li>
</ul>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEAD, MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN:</strong> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">12+ years of relevant industry experience.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Manufacturing and integration of complex fluid systems. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Reading and understanding of fluid system P&ID symbols. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Reading and understanding of mechanical drawings. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Tube bending and flaring. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Operation of high-pressure gas systems.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Hydraulic and pneumatic system operations and components.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Communication and data management.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Familiarity with LOTO best practices.</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Leading small teams.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Welding and light fabrication.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Operating cryogenic fluid systems.</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="color: !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:</strong> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;">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.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;">Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;">Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;">Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;">Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;">Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces</span></li>
</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p>Important information:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p>
<p><em>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 <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e=">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>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.</em></p>
<p><em>Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected].</a>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.</em></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p>
<p><em>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. </em></p>
<p><em>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 <a class="fui-Link ___m14voj0 f3rmtva f1ern45e f1deefiw f1n71otn f1q5o8ev f1h8hb77 f1vxd6vx f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f9n3di6 f1ids18y fygtlnl f1deo86v f12x56k7 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f50u1b5 fs3pq8b f1hghxdh f1tymzes f1x7u7e9 f1cmlufx f10aw75t fsle3fq" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii" target="_blank">ITAR Regulations.</a></em></p></div>
Related Roles
Mechanical Technician III
Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VAMechanical Technician II
Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VAVehicle Test and Launch Engineer II
Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VAAvionics Test and Launch Engineer II
Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VASenior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician
Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VATest Engineering Intern Spring 2027
Rocket Lab
Wallops Island, VA