Assembly Integration & Test Technician II/III - A Shift Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. The Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle, is in development. The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. This team has enabled more than 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives.

The Role

Based on-site in Long Beach, CA, you will perform spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and workmanship. You will build and integrate flight hardware by following engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing procedures, demonstrating proficiency in electrical and mechanical assembly techniques.

What You'll Do

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Install electrical and mechanical hardware including harnesses, avionics components, heaters, RTDs, brackets, connectors, and flight hardware.
• Utilize electrical and mechanical assembly tools, measurement equipment, and calibrated tooling safely and effectively.
• Perform functional checks, continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and other production verification activities.
• Support spacecraft functional testing, comprehensive performance testing (CPT), and environmental test campaigns.
• Support spacecraft propulsion integration including hardware installation, pressure testing, leak testing, and system verification.
• Support critical spacecraft lifts utilizing overhead cranes, mobile gantries, and approved lifting fixtures while adhering to safety and handling procedures.

Technician II Requirements (2+ years)

• 2+ years of relevant manufacturing experience or demonstrated equivalent competency, preferably in aerospace.
• Experience following industry standards: ESD, FOD, Tool Control, 5S, HAZMAT, and calibration.
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and aerospace cleanliness requirements.
• Proficiency in harness fabrication and installation, including routing, lacing, shielding, clamping, and cable management.
• Experience installing avionics hardware such as electronic components, heaters, RTDs, connectors, and associated spacecraft hardware.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, installation drawings, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Hands-on experience using electrical assembly tools and test equipment: wire strippers, crimp tools, cable tie guns, multimeters, insulation resistance testers, oscilloscopes, function generators.
• Hands-on experience using mechanical assembly tools: torque drivers, torque wrenches, pneumatic and electric tools, Cleco fasteners, calipers, feeler gauges, radius gauges.
• High school diploma or GED.

Technician III Requirements (5+ years)

• 5+ years of relevant manufacturing experience or demonstrated subject matter expertise, preferably in aerospace.
• Demonstrated technical leadership on complex spacecraft assembly, integration, and test campaigns.
• Experience performing advanced mechanical rework including drilling, tapping, precision alignment, and bonded repairs.
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems including pressure testing, leak testing, propellant handling, vacuum systems, or thrust stand operations.
• Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems such as solar arrays, propulsion systems, payloads, deployable mechanisms, or equivalent flight hardware.
• Experience performing critical spacecraft lifts utilizing overhead cranes, mobile gantries, and approved lifting fixtures.
• Ability to lead troubleshooting efforts involving multiple engineering disciplines.
• Ability to identify manufacturing risks and implement process improvements that improve safety, quality, cost, or schedule.
• Ability to interpret engineering intent when drawings or work instructions require clarification.

Nice to Have

• Current IPC-WHMA-A-620 certification.
• Current J-STD-001 certification.
• NCCCO Certified Rigger.
• Experience developing or improving manufacturing work instructions.
• Experience supporting MRB, NCR, RCCA, or 5-Why investigations.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training.
• Experience with SAP, MES, ERP, or other manufacturing execution systems.
• GD&T interpretation.
• Experience supporting design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews.
• Experience supporting customer inspections or mission-critical hardware reviews.
• Cross-functional expertise across multiple spacecraft subsystems including avionics, propulsion, structures, harnessing, environmental test, and spacecraft integration.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor technicians across multiple skill levels.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas.
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

Shift and Schedule

A Shift: Monday-Thursday, 5:00 am-3:30 pm.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range for California: $25-$40 USD per hour, determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: top-tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option; dental and vision coverage; 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year; 11 paid holidays per year; flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts; paid parental leave; disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; discounted employee stock purchase program; subsidized EV charging stations; on-site gym; food and drinks; and other discounts. Company equity may also be provided. Eligibility for benefits varies based on employment status.

US Person Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.