Neutron Composite Technician
This posting asks for U.S. citizenship.
About the role
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.
BUILDING NEUTRON AT ROCKET LAB
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time!
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
Your role will be focusing on, but not limited to the pressurised tanks, unpressurised sections and fairings on both the S2 and S1 structures of the neutron launch vehicle. This position requires a wide knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques, product knowledge and an openness to trialing new and exploratory methods of building.
The position is tied into Research and Development, you will work closely with internal and external customers to action and deliver test campaigns components at various scales. A mindset based on cost reduction and the end goal of lean production is necessary. A clear understanding of timelines and estimating deliveries is essential to success in this role and key to the overall delivery of the wider project.
The Neutron project is large in scope and scale, you will help mitigate handling and logistic issues that can arise utilizing your past experiences and problem-solving capability. It is essential that as a member of this team you can balance the line between quick development requirements and ensure the end state product specifications are obtainable. Future opportunities will develop as Neutron moves into production and the development of AIT facilities in both NZ and the US.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
- Top tier, advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge
- Experienced in Core bond and Splicing
- Resin infusion knowledge
- Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments
- Basic I.T. skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- 3 + years industry experience
If the above is of interest and you would like to know more 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.
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.
Copied from the listing Rocket Lab published, verified 30 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 10 questions.
- 1.Rocket Lab is required to comply with US export compliance laws & regulations including the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations restrict whom Rocket Lab can shaYes or no
- 2.What is your country of birth?Short answer
- 3.What citizenships do you hold? Select all that apply.Pick any (197 options)
- 4.What citizenships have you previously held? Select all that apply.Pick any (198 options)
- 5.Are you legally entitled to work in New Zealand?Pick one
- 6.If you currently hold a visa or working holiday visa, please provide your visa details. (i.e. visa expiry dates/conditions)Short answer
- 7.Highest level of education/qualification completed.Pick one (7 options)
- 8.What are your salary expectations?Short answer
- 9.Do you have any previous or pending criminal convictions or charges, excluding those concealed under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act?Yes or no
- 10.Any offer of employment with Rocket Lab is contingent on a successful criminal background check and successful reference checks. Please indicate below if you can meet these hiring requirements.Yes or no
Taken from the application form Rocket Lab runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About Rocket Lab
Builds the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles and spacecraft and their components.
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