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.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We're looking for a hands-on Production Maintenance Technician to keep our Warkworth facility running at peak performance. You'll be the first responder when production needs support, working alongside our Facilities Maintenance Coordinator to ensure preventative maintenance keeps us launching rockets without interruption.
This isn't just turning wrenches – you'll own the upkeep of critical plant equipment including extractors, vacuum pumps, compressors, and workshop machinery. You'll build PPM schedules, manage contractor relationships, and create solutions that keep our facility operating smoothly. When production calls, you answer.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
• Be the immediate responder to production maintenance requests
• Create and coordinate preventative maintenance schedules around production needs
• Maintain critical plant equipment: extractors, vacuum pumps, compressors, workshop machinery
• Build and manage a critical spares inventory for facilities equipment
• Perform hands-on repairs and maintenance using hand and power tools
• Coordinate breakdown maintenance and manage outside contractors
• Complete FMEAs on plant and equipment
• Support logistics, heavy machinery operation, and facility upgrades across multiple sites
• Maintain compliance records and participate in annual BWOF compliance
• Work in Infor LN CMMS system to track and report maintenance activities
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
• 5+ years' experience in production maintenance role
• Experience in a maintenance coordination role
• Strong hands-on experience with hand and power tools
• HVAC experience
• Self-starter who works well unguided and remains calm under pressure
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience with 5S Lean Manufacturing methodology
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
• Electrical Trade Certificate or equivalent
• ISO or AS9100 Standards awareness
• Knowledge of Infor LN and/or Hippo CMMS systems
• Forklift license
• Working at Height certification
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 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.