Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician Verified today
About the Role
As an Ion Propulsion Production & Test Technician at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of vacuum chambers used for full system Ion Propulsion Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), as well as supporting Thruster and Power Processing Unit (PPU) assembly and sub-system testing.
What You'll Do
- Operate and maintain vacuum chambers for production and testing of full Ion Propulsion systems, including setup, calibration, and real-time monitoring of test parameters.
- Accurately execute test procedures, document results, and report anomalies or out-of-family data to engineering teams.
- Troubleshoot test failures and collaborate with production, design, and quality engineers to resolve root causes and improve processes.
- Perform routine preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vacuum systems and facility equipment; maintain detailed logs and manage consumables inventory.
- Assemble and test precision thruster and sub-system hardware (including Power Processing Units), ensuring compliance with strict specifications using both common and specialized tools.
- Support engineering teams in troubleshooting build issues, refining maintenance procedures, and training team members as needed.
What You'll Bring
- Trade or degree qualified in relevant industry (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or similar).
- 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience with operation of mechanical, electrical and automated test equipment.
- Familiarity with thermal systems, vacuum pumps, and pressure measurement.
- Precision mechanical and electrical assembly experience.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Comfortable working to exacting standards, including cleanliness for vacuum environments.
- Sound understanding of standard industry ESD policy.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands-on assembly and maintenance.
- Good level of eyesight and ability to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard.
Nice to Have
- Experience operating vacuum chamber systems.
- Experience with data acquisition systems.
- Experience compiling concise and accurate test reports.
- Experience maintaining industrial equipment.
- Experience working with high-voltage electronics.
- Strong work ethic, able to take own initiative.
- Able to remain calm under pressure.
Important Information
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). 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.