Composites Technician - Level I-IV

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 ABOUT SOLAERO  SolAero Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of highly efficient radiation-hardened solar cells, Coverglass Interconnected Cells (CICs), and solar panels for space power applications. Since 2001, SolAero solar cells or panels have supplied primary power to over 1,000 successful space missions with zero on-orbit failures. Our proven manufacturing capability, technology leadership, and unsurpassed reliability makes SolAero the supplier of choice for demanding space programs.  Composite Technician- LEVELS I-IV  SolAero has an immediate need for Technicians of all levels for team to join a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment in Albuquerque.  What you’ll get to do:   Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications  Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials  Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections  Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing  Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches  Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core   Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.   Integration of mechanical hardware    Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as industries such as aerospace, space and other composite workplaces demand.   You may be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.  This requisition can be hired at a Technician Level I, II, III or IV.    You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech I:   Minimum 1+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience OR  2+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR  2+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment  High School Diploma or GED   Basic Math Skills  Knowledge of the following tool use (or if no previous experience, open to training on):  Pneumatic tools  Caliper  Micrometers  Hand tools  Power tools  Precision measurement instruments  familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints  Experience working with material data sheets  Shop organization and cleanliness  Use of personal protective equipment  You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech II:    Minimum 3+  years of experience  in composite or lamination experience OR  4+ years of military equipment maintenance experience OR  4+ years of experience in electronics, mechanical troubleshooting, installation, repair of manufacturing equipment  High School Diploma or GED   Must be certified or able to become certified in two composite work centers  Intermediate Math Skills  Experience in the use of the following tools to achieve complex composite assemblies:  Pneumatic tools  Caliper  Micrometers  Hand tools  Power tools  Precision measurement instruments  familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints  Experience working with material data sheets  Shop organization and cleanliness  Use of personal protective equipment  You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech III:    Minimum 6+  years of experience  in composite or lamination experience  High School Diploma or GED   Must be certified or able to become certified in all composite work centers  Intermediate Math Skills  Significant on the job experience of the following tool use to achieve complex composite assemblies:  Pneumatic tools  Caliper  Micrometers  Hand tools  Power tools  Precision measurement instruments  familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints  Experience working with material data sheets  Shop organization and cleanliness  Use of personal protective equipment  You’ll Bring these Qualifications for Composite Tech IV:    Minimum 12+ years of experience in composite or lamination experience High School Diploma or GED   Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers  Intermediate Math Skills  Experience training and mentoring newer composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes  Expert knowledge of the following tool use and demonstrated capability to apply them to achieve complex composite assemblies:  Pneumatic tools  Caliper  Micrometers  Hand tools  Power tools  Precision measurement instruments  familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints  Experience working with material data sheets  Shop organization and cleanliness  Use of personal protective equipment  These qualifications would be nice to have:   Experienced in Core bond and Splicing  Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments  1+ years composite experience (aerospace industry experience preferred)  Advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge    Resin infusion knowledge    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours. Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed. 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.