Propulsion Technician - Rotor Assembly

rocketlab

Auckland, NZ · Auckland · New Zealand

Posted May 27, 2026

Other
2700 Propulsion Testing

Apply on company site

Job description

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.

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

THE ROLE

Join our newly established in-house Rotor Assembly team. You'll work in a 100% R&D environment alongside development engineers to assemble and test propulsion rotors. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced, agile environments where pivots are opportunities, long hours are occasionally necessary, and every day brings new challenges. If you're energized by building processes from the ground up rather than following established playbooks, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Receive, assemble, and test propulsion rotor components to exacting specifications
Perform precision mechanical assembly of critical propulsion hardware
Conduct functional testing using mechanical, electrical, and automated test equipment
Help establish new processes and procedures for this production line, including documenting all work with full traceability
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives as the team and capabilities expand
Support the team's agile approach with flexibility and problem-solving mindset

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Trade qualification with 4+ years of hands-on precision manufacturing experience
Exceptional hand skills in mechanical assembly of complex components
Quality control and inspection experience with precision measurement tools
Ability to read complex technical drawings and operate automated test equipment
Comfortable working to exacting cleanliness standards, including oxygen service environments
Thrives in ambiguity: energized by building processes from scratch rather than following established playbooks

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Motorsport or similar high-performance industry experience is highly desirable—you understand high-performance, precision engineering
Turbo machining expertise: demonstrated proficiency with lathes and mills

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 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.