Test Technician I/II

Rocket Lab USA; Canada; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Test Technician I/II in Ontario, Canada. The role involves testing satellite hardware and troubleshooting test anomalies. Candidates should have experience in product performance testing and a High School diploma or GED. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative space missions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with product performance testing, acceptance testing, environmental stress screening.
• Ability to lift objects (up to 25 lbs).

Responsibilities

• Set up and perform acceptance and qualification testing of satellite flight hardware.
• Communicate and work with technical staff in troubleshooting test anomalies.

Skills

Experience with product performance testing

Acceptance testing

Environmental stress screening

Safe handling of sensitive parts

Basic mechanical concepts

Strong computer skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Digital multimeters

Microsoft Excel

Python

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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 1,700 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 it’s 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.

TEST TECHNICIAN I/II

As a Test Technician I/II based at Rocket Lab’s site in Ontario, Canada, you will work closely with the technical staff to support test operations for spacecraft components such as reaction wheels and star trackers. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Test Technician I or Test Technician II level)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Set up and perform acceptance and qualification testing (bench functional, dynamometer, vibrometer, burn‑in, thermal, vibration, shock) of satellite flight hardware
• Set up and perform optical/mechanical calibrations and characterizations of satellite flight hardware
• Monitor hardware performance during testing
• Review and assess data after tests have completed
• Monitor and change nitrogen gas tanks for nitrogen purge system
• Communicate and work with technical staff in the troubleshooting of test anomalies
• Communicate and work with technical staff to develop and document test instructions & procedures
• Prepare product End Item Data Packages for peer review
• Assist in the design and/or fabrication of fixtures, processes, and setups for hardware testing
• Work with the Lab Manager to ensure test equipment is maintained and calibrated
• Work with the Lab Manager to improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATION AS A TEST TECHNICIAN I:

• 2+ years of experience with product performance testing, acceptance testing, environmental stress screening and safe handling of sensitive parts
• High School diploma or GED

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATION AS A TEST TECHNICIAN II:

• 5+ years of experience with product performance testing, acceptance testing, environmental stress screening and safe handling of sensitive parts
• High School diploma or GED

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Basic understanding of mechanical concepts such as vibration, force, and thermodynamics
• Familiarity with digital multimeters and power supplies
• Ability to lift objects (up to 25 lbs)
• Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD‑sensitive hardware
• Familiarity with cleanroom/cleanbench best practices
• Strong computer skillset, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and file manipulation
• Conscientious, and possesses strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized and able to work independently with strong attention to detail
• Experience with product performance testing (acceptance testing, environmental stress screening) and safe handling of sensitive parts
• Experience handling compressed gas cylinders
• Operation of thermal chambers
• Operation of vibration test equipment
• Ability to read electro‑mechanical schematics to accomplish checkouts
• Ability to read mechanical assembly drawings and blueprints
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors
• MATLAB, Python, or other programming language

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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.

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 [e-mail]. 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 hereITAR Regulations.