Assembly Integration & Test Technician IIIII A Shift

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 all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally supporting scientific exploration Earth observation and missions to combat climate change national security and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION & TEST TECHNICIAN II / ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION & TEST TECHNICIANIII

Based onsite at Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the AIT Technician II is responsible for performing spacecraft assembly integration and test activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety quality and workmanship. This role builds and integrates flight hardware by following engineering drawings work instructions and manufacturing procedures. The technician is expected to demonstrate proficiency in electrical and mechanical assembly techniques contribute to a collaborative production environment and support the successful delivery of spacecraft hardware.

Our ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing foundation takes pride in workmanship and is eager to expand their technical skills within a fast-paced aerospace production environment.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Assembly Integration & Test Technician II or Assembly Integration & Test Technician III level)

WHAT YOULL GET TO 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 as required.
• 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 approve lifting fixtures while adhering to established safety and handling procedures.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AIT TECHNICAN II:

• 2 years of relevant manufacturing experience or demonstrated equivalent competency preferably in aerospace.
• Experience following industry standards related to ESD FOD Tool Control 5S HAZMAT and calibration.
• Familiar with working in cleanroom environments and aerospace cleanliness requirements.
• Proficient 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 using engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics wiring diagrams installation drawings and manufacturing work instructions.
• Hands-on experience using electrical assembly tools and test equipment including wire strippers crimp tools cable tie guns multimeters insulation resistance testers oscilloscopes and function generators.
• Hands-on experience using mechanical assembly tools including torque drivers torque wrenches pneumatic and electric tools Cleco fasteners calipers feeler gauges and radius gauges.
• HS Diploma or GED.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A AIT TECHNICIAN III:

• 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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE 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 perform work safely while maintaining quality workmanship and configuration control.
• Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional production team.
• Recognized as a technical subject matter expert in one or more spacecraft assembly disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor technicians across multiple skill levels while driving workmanship excellence and continuous improvement.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work A Shift (Monday Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm)
• Stand and walk for entire shift (8 hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height 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

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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 (i.e. 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.