Assembly Integration & Test Technician III Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We work on missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security, enabling over 1,700 missions with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Role

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA headquarters, you will perform spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities to the highest standards of safety, quality, and workmanship. You'll 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 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 procedures
• Lead troubleshooting efforts involving multiple engineering disciplines
• Identify manufacturing risks and implement process improvements for safety, quality, cost, or schedule

Required Qualifications

• 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 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
• Demonstrated ability to mentor technicians while driving workmanship excellence

Physical Requirements

• Willing to work B Shift (Monday - Thursday 3:00pm - 1:30am)
• Stand and walk for entire 8+ hour shift on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, and awkward positions
• 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 (CA only): $28-$35 USD. Base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero cost HDHP with 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, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts. Eligibility varies by employment status.

Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.