Assembly Integration & Test Technician II - A Shift Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Role

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will be responsible for performing 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 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 as required.
• 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 in accordance with approved procedures.
• Support critical spacecraft lifts utilizing overhead cranes, mobile gantries, and approved lifting fixtures while adhering to established safety and handling procedures.

What You'll Bring

• 2 or more 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 while driving workmanship excellence and continuous improvement.

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work A Shift (Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM)
• Stand and walk for entire shift (8 or more 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

Hourly pay range (California only): $25 to $31 USD. 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.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and zero cost HDHP option with significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise, and various other employee discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status.

Important Information

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), 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.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.