Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We build real hardware for meaningful missions.
About Neutron
Neutron is a medium lift reusable launch vehicle designed to deliver mega constellations, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. It leverages Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.
The Role
As Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician, you will be key to enabling the build of the Neutron launch vehicle. You will work closely with system Responsible Engineers and a team of technicians to lead the build, integration, and test of Neutron's mechanical, fluids, and avionics systems. This role requires a multi-discipline problem solver with broad understanding of launch vehicle systems and meticulous attention to detail.
What You Will Do
- Create and implement Neutron assembly and test procedures
- Work with system owners to develop and document procedures
- Provide hands-on leadership and guidance to technicians implementing assembly and test procedures
- Lead and train technicians in industry standards and best practice for installation and testing of aerospace flight components
- Troubleshoot unforeseen issues and drive workflow best practices and efficiency improvements
- Support other operations as needed to enable rapid processing of Neutron
- Specify and set up technician workstations and tooling requirements for Neutron integration
- Work alongside the Neutron production team at Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex in Baltimore, MD
- Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of assembly and/or test experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment
- High School diploma or GED
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in assembly and testing of launch vehicle fluid systems: pneumatic, cryogenic, electrical, and others
- Maintenance skills: troubleshooting, precision cleaning, components disassembly/assembly, system testing
- Experience with equipment: forklift, telehandler, boom lift, scissor lift, power tools, torque wrenches
- Cleanroom work experience and understanding of ISO cleanliness standards
- Fabrication skills: tube bending, tube flaring, mechanical assembly
- Avionics installation and harness routing experience
Physical Requirements
- Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
- Climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas
- Perform repetitive motions: bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, 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
Base pay range (Virginia): $36-$45 USD per hour. Final compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.
Benefits include company stock or cash incentives, discounted stock purchase program, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks.
Employment Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), candidates for U.S. offices must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.