Technical Trainer
The Lead Technical Trainer at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD, is responsible for developing and delivering hands-on training programs to ensure technicians are proficient in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and repair processes. This role collaborates closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to assess skills, address process gaps, and promote continuous improvement on the shop floor.
Key responsibilities include developing and delivering training programs for aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and repair processes; training personnel on aerospace-grade materials such as prepregs, resins, fibers, core materials, and adhesives; ensuring compliance with aerospace standards, engineering drawings, and specifications; creating and maintaining work instructions, visual aids, and training documentation; evaluating technician proficiency through practical assessments and on-the-job observations; supporting onboarding, recurrent training, and cross-training of composite technicians; collaborating with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to address defects and process improvements; troubleshooting composite manufacturing issues; and promoting a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement on the production floor.
The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and at least 10 years of experience in manufacturing or a related industry. Experience in training, developing, and implementing learning strategies is essential, along with experience in training and mentoring newer technicians on industry standards and specific processes. Expert knowledge of tools such as pneumatic tools, calipers, micrometers, hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement instruments is required. Familiarity with drilling, laminating, and assembly prints, as well as experience working with material data sheets, is also necessary.
Rocket Lab offers a competitive compensation package, including a base pay range of $35 to $43.75 per hour for positions in Maryland. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package, including top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid vacation and sick leave; paid holidays; flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts; paid parental leave; disability and life insurance; and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program and free snacks and drinks onsite.
Rocket Lab fosters a culture of hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and grit. Employees are encouraged to out-think, out-work, and out-pace, with a focus on delivering results rather than dwelling on challenges. The company thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and emphasizes having each other's backs, checking egos at the door, and rolling up sleeves on all tasks big and small.