Job Description

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company focused on building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Fabrication Technician II role is essential for leading fabrication processes and ensuring high-quality outputs in the production of custom parts and components.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and execute fabrication tasks, including cutting, welding, machining, painting, and assembling materials and components.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to ensure accurate production.
  • Operate and maintain fabrication machinery and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Perform custom fabrication work, tailoring projects to specific requirements and customer needs.
  • Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other technicians to optimize fabrication processes and solve technical issues.
  • Support the repair and fabrication of GSE (Ground Support Equipment), ensuring functionality and reliability.
  • Support all aspects of vehicle build, integration, and GSE.
  • Join other manufacturing teams on an as-needed basis.
  • Support mechanical assembly, vehicle integration, and composites when needed.
  • Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
  • Attend group meetings and provide ideas on how to overcome challenges through alternative methods.
  • Continuously seek opportunities for process improvements and cost-saving measures.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or certification in fabrication or related field preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
  • Proficiency in operating fabrication tools and machinery, including CNC machines, welding equipment, saws, manual mills and lathes, and various shop tools.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • PTO

Additional Info

  • Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position.
  • Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
  • 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 stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
401k
PTO

How this job compares in US, US

Pay in context

At roughly $31/hr, this posting lands within a few percent of the $28/hr median for welding jobs in US, US, whose middle half runs $22–$33/hr across 33 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 61% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. In other words it is a market-rate offer, so benefits, overtime, and shift schedule are where the real difference between this and the next posting on the list shows up.

The local market in US, US

We're tracking 34 other active welding openings in US, US right now, from 25 different employers. 10 of them were added in the last week. Across US as a whole we're tracking 34 other active welding openings from 25 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in US.

The most active employers in US at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (6), AAON, Inc. (3), and Greenberry (2). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for TIG. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.

See all welder fabricator openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.

Similar openings near US, US

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Welder Fabricator II figures were last recalculated when this page was built.