Full-Time

Mechanical Technician

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Launch services and spacecraft components provider

Compensation Overview

$22 - $50/hr

+ Equity

No H1B Sponsorship

Middle River, MD, USA

In Person

US Citizenship Required

Category
Manufacturing & Production Operations (1)

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Requirements
  • Experience in mechanical assembly, technical repair, mechanical maintenance, or similar work in a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment is required for Technician Level I.
  • Two or more years of experience in mechanical assembly, technical repair, mechanical maintenance, or similar work in a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment is required for Technician Level II.
  • Five or more years of experience in mechanical assembly, technical repair, mechanical maintenance, or similar work in a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment is required for Technician Level III.
  • Eight or more years of experience in mechanical assembly, technical repair, mechanical maintenance, or similar work in a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment is required for Senior Mechanical Technician.
  • A high school diploma or GED is required for all technician levels.
  • Familiarity with hand, power, pneumatic, and inspection tools is required for all technician levels.
  • Applicants must be able to stand and walk for the entire shift, exceeding eight hours, on various work surfaces.
  • Applicants must be able to climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed.
  • Applicants must be able to perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
  • Applicants must be able to use their hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
  • Applicants must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Applicants must be able to work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations, with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery.
  • Applicants must be flexible to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.
Responsibilities
  • Build mechanical structures and related components used in production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.
  • Integrate mechanical hardware.
  • Uphold shop cleanliness and organization.
  • Use proper personal protective equipment.
Desired Qualifications
  • An Airframe and Powerplant certification is preferred.
  • Two or more years of experience in the new space or aerospace industry is preferred.

Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q2 2026 revenue hit $234 million, up 62%, with backlog reaching $2.36 billion.
  • Rocket Lab secured more than $437 million in new launch contracts during Q2 2026.
  • Viasat chose Rocket Lab on August 17, 2026 for a protected tactical GEO satellite.

What critics are saying

  • Neutron slipped after a January tank rupture; first flight can easily move into 2027.
  • Fixed-price Space Force OTAs expose Rocket Lab to cost overruns on the $397 million SB-AMTI program.
  • Peter Beck's March 2026 salary cut and RSU forfeiture signal management's long-term urgency and execution pressure.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Electron and Space Systems give Rocket Lab launch, spacecraft, and components integration.
  • It won $397 million SB-AMTI and over $160 million geostationary satellite contracts in August 2026.
  • Neutron, HASTE, and Lightning-GEO position Rocket Lab across defense launch and satellite manufacturing.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-2%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

-3%
Asianet News
Sep 9th, 2026
RKLB stock extends gains overnight: Cathie Wood's ARK adds to Rocket Lab stake on new space solar catalyst.

RKLB stock extends gains overnight: Cathie Wood's ARK adds to Rocket Lab stake on new space solar catalyst. Published: Sep 09 2026, 12:10 PM IST * FB * TW * Linkdin * Whatsapp * GNFollow Us Cathie Wood's ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. * The latest purchase followed ARK's acquisition of 705,102 RKLB shares worth $44.4 million across three ETFs over two days earlier this month. * Rocket Lab unveiled IMM Apex, a germanium-free space solar cell offering 31.5% beginning-of-life efficiency and 40% lower mass. * Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission last week and has 16 more Synspective launches booked through 2030. Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares rose 4% overnight heading into Wednesday after Cathie Wood's ARK Investment Management added to its position, while the space company launched a lighter, germanium-free solar cell designed to reduce exposure to critical-mineral shortages. RKLB stock jumped 3% on Tuesday and added another 2% in the after-hours session. Cathie Wood's ARK buys more RKLB shares. The ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. The purchase follows heavier buying earlier this month. ARK acquired 705,102 Rocket Lab shares over two days, worth about $44.4 million, across the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and ARKX. Rocket Lab unveils germanium-free solar cell. Rocket Lab's new IMM Apex space solar cell offers 31.5% beginning-of-life conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, providing what the company called best-in-class power per kilogram. Unlike conventional multi-junction cells, IMM Apex eliminates germanium substrates, reducing exposure to rising costs and supply constraints. It is also a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for legacy cells, allowing customers to adopt it without significant retooling. "With IMM Apex, customers gain access to a high-efficiency, lightweight, germanium-free product that combines proven reliability with faster production times," Rocket Lab USA President Brad Clevenger said. "IMM Apex is designed to more cost-effectively power the most ambitious missions without compromising performance," he added. Rocket Lab said the cell is available immediately, with manufacturing capacity in the multi-100-kilowatt range. The underlying tech powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and has operated in orbit for more than a decade. Rocket Lab's solar products currently power more than 1,100 satellites and have supported the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. Rocket Lab advances launch and defense programs. Last week, Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission and 15th launch of 2026, deploying a StriX Earth-imaging satellite for Synspective. It was Rocket Lab's 11th dedicated mission for the Japanese radar-imaging company, with a 100% success rate across those flights. Another 16 Synspective missions are booked through 2030. Rocket Lab also passed the preliminary design review for 18 satellites it is building for the U.S. Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 constellation, calling the milestone a "big step forward" toward delivering missile-warning and defense capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. How do retail traders feel about RKLB? On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for RKLB slipped to 'bearish' from 'neutral' levels a week ago amid a 369% jump in 24-hour message volumes. One bullish user said, "$RKLB bought 500 shares of this back in 2024 when it was at $9 and sold in the $20's and I regretted it. I repurchased 1k shares last week at $59 and ain't selling till we are at $150" View this Stocktwits post Another user said, "$RKLB $SPCX waiting for a pump in this sector. Feels soon, definitely before the end of this month" View this Stocktwits post Stay updated with all the latest Business News, including market trends, Share Market News, stock updates, taxation, IPOs, banking, finance, real estate, savings, and investments. Track daily Gold Price changes, updates on DA Hike, and the latest developments on the 8th Pay Commission. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates to make informed financial decisions. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in business. 0 Comments / 0 New

Associated Press
Sep 8th, 2026
Rocket Lab launches germanium-free solar cell with 31.5% efficiency and 40% lower mass

Rocket Lab has released IMM Apex, a new solar cell for space applications that eliminates reliance on germanium, a supply-constrained critical mineral used in conventional multi-junction solar cells for three decades. The cell offers 31.5% solar conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, delivering best-in-class specific power whilst maintaining radiation hardness. IMM Apex is a drop-in replacement for existing germanium-based products, allowing integration without major retooling investments. The technology builds on Rocket Lab's IMM cells, which powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and have been operational on satellites for over a decade. Rocket Lab has provided solar technology to programmes including the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. More than 1,100 satellites currently orbit using Rocket Lab solar products.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 6th, 2026
Rocket Lab CFO sells 140,000 shares worth $8.8M after 28% one-year return

Rocket Lab CFO Adam C. Spice sold 140,157 shares on 2 September 2026 for approximately $8.8 million, according to an SEC filing. The transaction followed the exercise of stock options at a strike price of $1.09 per share, which were immediately sold at a weighted average price of $62.63. Following the sale, Spice retains approximately 1.4 million shares valued at around $90.3 million, consisting of 1.2 million directly held shares and 250,000 held through a trust. The executive also maintains 2.4 million derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards. Rocket Lab shares closed at $63.10 on the transaction date, delivering a 28% one-year return. The aerospace company, which provides launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $769.1 million.

Foreign Policy Journal
Sep 6th, 2026
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock could surge another 75% as Neutron launches and profitability drive long-term value.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock could surge another 75% as Neutron launches and profitability drive long-term value. Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB) has already delivered staggering returns for early investors, and analysts believe the next five years could bring similarly impressive gains. The company's stock climbed 560% over the past five years, a performance that has drawn significant attention from growth-oriented investors looking at the commercial space sector. Despite that remarkable run-up, the bull case for Rocket Lab remains intact, supported by a growing backlog, expanding revenues, and a clear path toward profitability. Rocket Lab's sales rose 62% in the second quarter ended June 30, reaching $234 million, a figure that underscores the company's accelerating commercial momentum. The company already has at least seven Neutron-specific commercial launches booked in its backlog through 2029, with additional government defense contracts likely to supplement that pipeline. Neutron, Rocket Lab's medium-lift rocket currently under development, represents the company's most significant growth lever and a direct push into higher-value launch markets. Rocket Lab is not yet profitable, but the company is expected to post its first profit in 2028, after which analysts anticipate rapid earnings growth. At its current market capitalization of approximately $40 billion, Rocket Lab trades at a substantial premium relative to near-term revenues, a valuation that demands continued execution on its launch and defense ambitions. One projection places a reasonable five-year valuation target at around $70 billion, roughly 75% above the company's current market cap, should growth trajectories hold firm. That forecast implies a $10,000 investment made today could be worth approximately $17,500 within five years, though no outcome in equity markets carries any guarantee. Investor risk remains real and multifaceted, ranging from potential launch failures that could shake market confidence to broader competitive pressures in the rapidly evolving commercial space industry. The company's ability to scale Neutron launches, maintain its Electron smallsat business, and convert backlog into recognized revenue will be the central variables determining whether the bull case materializes. For investors with a high risk tolerance and a multi-year time horizon, Rocket Lab continues to represent one of the more compelling pure-play opportunities in the commercial space economy.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 3rd, 2026
Berenberg launches space sector coverage with Buy ratings on Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs, HawkEye 360

Berenberg has launched coverage of the US and European space sector, initiating four companies with Buy ratings. The bank initiated Rocket Lab with a Buy and an $83 price target, calling it "the only end-to-end public pure-play in space." AST SpaceMobile received the highest target at $92. Analyst Michael Filatov said the company is "the only company to have demonstrated true cellular broadband from space to unmodified smartphones." Planet Labs was initiated with a $25 target, whilst HawkEye 360 received a $24 target. Avio was initiated at Hold with a €33 target. Filatov said falling launch costs have driven the space economy past $500 billion in 2025, with the market on track to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.