Leading Hand - Mechanical Assembly

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Lead the Future of Space Exploration with Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is redefining what’s possible in space, and we’re looking for a driven Leading Hand - Mechanical Assembly to join our team. In this role, you’ll lead a team of up to 10 technicians to assemble and test spacecraft and launch vehicle components, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency while meeting critical delivery milestones. This is your opportunity to take ownership of a high-performing team and make a tangible impact on space exploration.

About the Role

As the Leading Hand - Mechanical Assembly, you’ll be jointly responsible for all work conducted within the Mechanical Production work centre. This includes ensuring the quality of output meets Rocket Lab’s high standards, achieving customer-driven delivery milestones, and maintaining the efficiency and safety of the technicians operating in the work centre.

Your focus will be on day-to-day task allocation, ensuring productivity is maximised to meet schedules without compromising safety or quality. You’ll be the driving force behind a team that delivers world-class results.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Plan, delegate, and oversee daily activities to maximize productivity and meet delivery milestones.
• Mentor and train technicians, conduct performance reviews, and support career development.
• Manage rosters, overtime, and leave requests to ensure adequate coverage for production schedules.
• Provide immediate constructive feedback on performance and workmanship.
• Run regular team meetings to align with wider production goals.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all work meets Rocket Lab’s quality standards and manufacturing specifications.
• Conduct root-cause analysis (e.g., 5-whys) and implement corrective action plans.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, quality issue resolution, and efficiency enhancements.
• Authorize the release of flight components to the next workstation in accordance with procedures.
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in the work centre.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all health and safety procedures are followed and training is up-to-date.
• Promote a culture of safety and ensure all team members act in accordance with safety requirements.
• Identify and implement safety improvements and share best practices across teams.

New Product Introduction & R&D Support

• Assist Manufacturing Engineering with production line implementation activities.
• Support training for technicians to ensure readiness for full-rate production.
• Act as a subject matter expert for manufacturing and fault-finding.
• Collaborate on future R&D activities to introduce new changes or products to the production floor.

Schedule Management

• Allocate tasks to meet production schedules set by the Supervisor and planners.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor to meet production rate increases and identify schedule risks.
• Propose mitigation strategies to ensure vehicles are delivered on time to meet mission schedules.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in mechanical assembly or manufacturing.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage schedules and resources effectively.
• A passion for precision, quality, and continuous improvement.
• A commitment to safety, teamwork, and fostering a positive work environment.

Ready to Launch Your Career?

If you’re a natural leader with a passion for mechanical assembly, apply today to take your career to new heights!

Closing date for internal submissions: 21 March 2026

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

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

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