Reaction Wheel Assembly Technician

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.

ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:  

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is at the forefront of satellite innovation, responsible for every satellite and satellite component produced by Rocket Lab. Our work spans complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite - such as solar panels, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation systems, radios, flight software and more! Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and technicians design, build and integrate our own satellites, or produce hardware and software that support other satellite missions. Our missions cover commercial, government and defense sectors. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:  

As a member of the Reaction Wheels Production team, you will play a vital role in assembling high precision spacecraft components. You'll have the opportunity to work with advanced avionics and electrical systems, mechanical assemblies and test equipment. You will carry out all aspects of the component assembly, testing, troubleshooting and rework. Maintaining high quality and workmanship standards while meeting production schedules is a key focus. Your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence will directly impact the success of Reaction Wheel production.   

We are hiring for both day and evening shift.   

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:  

• Assemble and test high-precision reaction wheel components using a variety of hand tools, precision instruments and automated equipment
• Gain in-depth knowledge of reaction wheel operation and functionality
• Perform detailed quality checks to ensure assemblies meet rigorous aerospace standards
• Take ownership and accountability of tasks to meet required timelines
• Support research and development tasks alongside engineering staff
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe work environment, particularly regarding safety and 5S aspects such as tool control and FOD mitigation
• Adapt to evolving priorities as required by mission schedules  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:  

• Trade qualified in Avionics, Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical fields
• Experience operating mechanical, electrical or automated test equipment
• Proven ability to manufacture components to a high workmanship standard
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as autonomously
• Ability to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and technical drawings
• Working knowledge of industry-standard ESD practices
• A good level of eyesight and the ability to inspect assemblies to a high-quality standard 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Experience in new product introduction (NPI)
• Experience with soldering of PCB’s/PCBA’s.  

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 [email protected]. 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.