SolAero by Rocket Lab is one of the world's leading manufacturers of highly efficient radiation-hardened solar cells, Coverglass Interconnected Cells (CICs), and solar panels for space power applications. Since 2001, SolAero solar cells or panels have supplied primary power to over 1,000 successful space missions with zero on-orbit failures. Our proven manufacturing capability, technology leadership, and unsurpassed reliability make SolAero the supplier of choice for demanding space programs.

This is a Temp to Hire role, the shift is Monday-Thursday from 5:00 AM-3:30 PM contingent full-time hire upon completion of 2 weeks of training

SolAero by Rocket Lab has an immediate need for an Operator I, Composites to join a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment in Albuquerque. You will be responsible for assisting our technicians with fabricating space flight hardware and will be cross-trained for composite operations capabilities over a 1-year period. This cross-training will include the handling and packaging of composite materials and flight hardware, foreign objects and debris (FOD) and cleanliness controls, lamination, panel consolidation, assembly, mixing, and bonding with 2-part adhesives.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Assist both Composites and NC Machining Technicians in hardware handling and manufacturing operation setup
• Clean up the general manufacturing area and maintain shop organization
• Perform basic manufacturing duties including lamination lay-up, panel consolidation, tool setup, general assembly functions, and bonding
• Use basic hand tools including calipers, micrometers, gauge pins, scales, and height gauges to carry out tasks
• Use light power tools including drill motors, bandsaws, and sanders
• Maintain common SolAero toolboxes in an organized and orderly configuration

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to maintain a clean clutter-free work area
• Ability to speak, read, and write English and comprehend written work instructions
• Must have basic math skills.
• Must have the capability to safely operate drills, grinders, sanders, and other hand tools
• Must have basic computer skills and be able to use Microsoft Office Suite

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Regularly required to use hands to handle
• Frequently required to stand and walk up to 95% of the working shift
• Occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (50 lbs. team lift or using appropriate PPE)
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Will work with or near chemicals with various hazard levels and consequences of exposure which requires the operator to understand and follow precisely the hazard controls and operational procedures provided in Safety Data Sheets and Work Instructions for the chemicals they handle and tools they operate in order to prevent exposures
• May be assigned work with tools, equipment, or work functions designed to an ergonomic standard that does not protect all workers from repetitive stress injuries which will require the operator to maintain vigilant situational awareness and close communication with supervisors to prevent injury
• Must be able to detect and respond promptly and without assistance to equipment and plant casualty alarms
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Manual dexterity to manipulate multiple operations under a microscope, including assembly and testing of small assemblies