About The Role
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
OPERATOR I/II, PRODUCTION
Based on site at Rocket Lab's facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we are looking for Operators to join our production team and work in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment. Rocket Lab is a leading provider of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products for satellite and aerospace applications. We are the world’s only vertically integrated, end-to-end supplier of satellite solar arrays. Our proven flight heritage, high-volume production capability, and technology position us to service the world’s most demanding satellite applications. Our space solar products have powered over 1,000 satellites in orbit to date.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
You will be responsible for performing a variety of functions in the production of semiconductor devices, as well as specific process steps in the assembly and test of production units.
This position has multiple shifts available. While you’ll have an assigned shift, the training hours may vary when you start. Certain shifts may qualify for a shift differential on the base pay, depending on the hours and schedule:
- A-Shift: 6:00am-6:30pm Sunday-Wednesday
- B-shift: 6:00am-6:30pm Wednesday-Saturday
- C-Shift: 6:00pm-6:30am Sunday-Tuesday and alternating Saturday
- D-Shift: 6:00pm-6:30am Wednesday- Friday and alternating Saturday's
- 4/10 Shift: Monday-Thursday, 10-hour shifts
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Operator I, Production or Operator II, Production level)
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN OPERATOR I, PRODUCTION:
- High school diploma
- Must be certified (or ready to be certified per supervisor) in 1 work center.
- Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions.
- Ability to collect and record data.
- Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
- Ability to hear and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
- Ability to identify failure discrepancies per visual and/or written descriptions.
- Ability to keep a well-organized, clean and safe working station/environment.
- Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, volume and distance.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
- Ability to set-up and prepare workstation/assembly fixtures.
- Ability to use a microscope.
- Ability to use computer hardware and software, including MS Office.
- Ability to use various test equipment.
- Ability to write simple correspondence.
- Acquires job skills and learns company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks.
- May be required to dispense adhesives.
- May be required to measure and pour chemicals.
- May be required to operate UV curing systems and thermal curing ovens.
- Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN OPERATOR II, PRODUCTION:
- High school diploma
- 2+ years of experience in a production or any heavily regulated manufacturing industry.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
- Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Ability to work on multiple tasks.
- Actively plans, schedules, coordinates work into the area.
- Average verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of ESD and Cleanroom procedures required.
- Must know process flows.
- Participates on cross- functional and area specific teams (ex. Lean Team).
- Possesses ability to train an inexperienced operator.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.
- Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
- Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
- Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.
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 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 hereITAR Regulations.
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