Technician - Materials Development and Testing (Neutron)Active
The opportunity
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.
What you'll do
Prepare test specimens: cut, machine, and prepare composite and metallic specimens to be tested to international standards (ASTM D3039, E8, and similar) using diamond saws, CNC mills, and surface prep equipment
Build test articles: from composites, metallics, textiles, and insulation assemblies for mechanical and thermal testing
Fit instrumentation: apply strain gauges, extensometers, thermocouples, and RTDs to samples
Bond specimens & assemble fixtures: attach end tabs and metal fixtures (lap shear, fracture toughness) using the right adhesives and curing procedures
Condition specimens: in environmental chambers per test requirements
Test & Characterize Materials: execute a variety of mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests using commercial and development equipment
What they're looking for
- Document everything: specimen geometry, fibre orientation, batch numbers, and processing, keeping full traceability throughout
- Support development: collaborate with development engineers to design and implement tailored test methodologies for non-standard characterization
- An associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology,: or a related field OR a high school qualification with 3+ years of relevant technical experience
- + years of experience in a materials testing laboratory or related function