Technician III - Materials Development and Testing

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. **While other companies talk about it, we do it!** **SPACE SYSTEMS** At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. **TECHNICIAN III - MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING** As a Technician III – Materials Development and Testing at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for the preparation, testing, and reporting of composite and metallic material specimens to determine mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM and other international standards. Ensure accurate test execution, data collection, and comprehensive documentation to support product qualification, quality assurance, and research and development programs. **WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:** - Prepare composite and metallic test specimens according to ASTM standards including D3039, D3410, D790, D7078, E8, E9, and similar specifications - Perform precision cutting, machining, and grinding operations using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface preparation equipment - Manufacture test articles of composites, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing - Apply strain gauges, extensometers, and other instrumentation to specimens as required - Integrate thermocouples, RTDs, and instrumentation into test articles for testing of metallic, composite, and polymeric materials - Bond composite end tabs or metal fixtures, and specimens (lap shear, fracture toughness) using appropriate adhesives and curing procedures - Measure and verify specimen dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and optical measurement systems - Document specimen geometry, fiber orientation, batch numbers, and preparation procedures - Maintain specimen identification and traceability throughout preparation process - Condition specimens in environmental chambers per test specification requirements - Inspect specimens for defects, voids, or damage that could affect test validity **YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:** - Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical field; OR - High school diploma/equivalent plus 2+ years relevant laboratory experience - Minimum 1 year experience in materials testing laboratory environment - Demonstrated experience with composite materials preparation and testing - Proficiency with universal testing machines and data acquisition systems - Experience with precision measurement instruments - Familiarity with MIL-Handbook 17 Vol 1 Polymer Matrix Composites Guidelines for Characterization of Structural Materials. - Understanding of ASTM test standards (D3039, D3410, D790, E8, etc.) - Knowledge of composite material structures and failure modes - Familiarity with metallic material properties and behavior - Basic understanding of mechanics of materials and stress-strain relationships - Proficient in Microsoft Excel for data analysis - Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications - Basic understanding of statistics for reviewing and reporting test results. - Ability to review and analyse testing results from external laboratories. - High attention to detail and accuracy - Strong manual dexterity for specimen handling and preparation - Excellent organizational and time management skills - Effective written and verbal communication - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision - Problem-solving aptitude and analytical thinking - Commitment to quality and continuous improvement **THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:** - Relevant aerospace industry experience, such as launch service sales, mission marketing, payload integration, orbital network planning, and strategy, or relevant experience in spaceport operations and development. - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science - AS9100 or ISO 17025 laboratory experience - Nadcap Materials Testing certification - Experience with advanced composites (carbon fiber, Kevlar, prepreg systems) - Familiarity with aerospace or automotive industry standards - Training in statistical process control (SPC) - Familiarity with post processing of test data in Python, Matlab, or equivalent software - Experience with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or other optical measurement techniques