Optical/Mechanical Technician

Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented. Life at Rocket Lab Mechanical Technician The mechanical technician will be responsible for the integration of spacecraft precision attitude determination and control products, which are comprised of mechanical, electrical, and optical subassemblies. The successful candidate will assemble, inspect, and perform other duties associated with building a variety of products from Rocket Lab’s reaction wheel and star tracker product lines.  WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Mechanical integration of space hardware in a clean environment Precision shimming of reaction wheels to achieve clearances and bearing preloads Mechanical integration of electrical subassemblies into mechanical housings Mechanical integration and focusing of opto-mechanical subassemblies Functional and performance testing of reaction wheel and star tracker subassemblies and units Final inspection (mass and photography) of parts, subassemblies, and integrated units Installation of bearings into reaction wheel assemblies Precision application of lubricant/grease to rotary components Integration of reaction wheel rotor assemblies and management of balancing process Installation of tangless threaded inserts into machined components Inspection, dimensional verification, and fit check of machined and 3D printed components Packaging of machined parts for surface treatment Bulk cleaning of components using ultrasonic cleaner and manual cleaning using isopropanol Occasional rework or modification of fixtures and production components Controlled application of staking compounds (epoxy and/or Loctite) to threaded fasteners Xray inspection of integrated optical subassemblies Documentation of all activities and collected data YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 1+ years of experience with precision mechanical integration Excellent fine motor skills including manipulation of small components with fine tweezers Excellent vision at close range (with or without corrective lenses) THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with machined aluminum components, bearings, and optics Ability to use digital or analog calipers/micrometer/dial gauge to measure critical dimensions Ability to use a drill press, hand drill, and other basic metal working tools Ability to use a torque wrench Ability to use an optical microscope (4-20x magnification range) Ability to interpret and follow technical instructions supplemented by verbal instruction Experience with using Matlab or related scripting programs/languages Familiarity with cleanroom/cleanbench best practices Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD-sensitive hardware Highly organized and able to work independently with strong attention to detail 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 Biow 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.