Senior Assembly Integration and Test Technician - B Shift Verified today

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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Role

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters 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 and contributing to a collaborative production environment.

What You Will 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 other 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 activities 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

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft assembly, integration, and test, or demonstrated equivalent technical expertise
• Recognized subject matter expert in multiple spacecraft assembly disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead the organization's most technically complex spacecraft builds and integration activities
• Extensive experience with spacecraft propulsion systems, environmental testing, spacecraft handling operations, and integrated system testing
• Advanced understanding of aerospace workmanship standards, engineering documentation, configuration management, and manufacturing processes
• Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes, reducing defects, and increasing production efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to mentor senior technicians and develop technical capability throughout the organization
• Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, managers, and executive leadership
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule pressure while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality

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

Physical Requirements

• Willing to work B Shift (Monday through Thursday 3:15 PM to 1:45 AM)
• 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 as needed
• 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

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $30-45 USD/hour. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status.

Employment Eligibility

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 (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.