Vehicle Integration Technician

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Evening shift allowance

Relocation assistance

Unlimited barista coffee

Stock purchase program

Access to world leading experts

Social activities throughout the year

Job summary

Rocket Lab, Auckland, NZ, is hiring a Vehicle Integration Technician for the evening shift (Mon–Thu, 15:00–01:30). You’ll be hands-on on the Electron launch vehicle, installing mechanical and avionic components, wiring harnesses and high‑voltage batteries.

Trade qualification and 2+ years' relevant experience are required; you will maintain strict workmanship standards, oxygen-service cleanliness, and be able to read manufacturing drawings.

Qualifications

• Trade qualified in relevant industry.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Precision avionic and/or mechanical assembly.
• Cleanliness for oxygen service.
• Good eyesight and ability to inspect assemblies.
• Manufacture components to high workmanship standards.

Responsibilities

• Install mechanical and avionic components, wiring harnesses and high‑voltage batteries on the Electron launch vehicle.
• Work hands-on with tools and facilities to build, launch or test Rocket Lab launch vehicles or components.
• Contribute to the production and launch schedule as part of the Vehicle Integration team.

Skills

Trade qualification

2+ years experience

Avionic/mechanical assembly

Oxygen service cleanliness

Inspection workmanship

Job description

Auckland, NZ

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Electron is the most frequently-launched rocket in the Southern Hemisphere and has reached 50 launches faster than any other company in the world! The team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each other's back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again. We hustle hard to do the impossible and make beautiful things everyday!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

The Integration team is made up of technicians with both avionics and mechanical experience, but the team works as one unit, and tasks are not assigned solely based on the technician’s background. A versatile skillset is required. As a Technician, you will be hands on, working with tools, equipment and/or facilities to build, launch or test Rocket Lab launch vehicles or components. Your responsibilities contribute to the overall production and launch schedule.

As a member of the Vehicle Integration team, the Vehicle Integration Technician installs mechanical and/or avionic components, wiring harnesses and high voltage batteries onto the Electron launch vehicle.

We currently have openings on evening shift Monday to Thursday (15:00 to 01:30). So, you can enjoy a 3-day weekend, every weekend and an additional evening shift allowance. Relocation assistance will be provided if required.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Trade qualified in relevant industry
• Must be able to demonstrate 2+ years' relevant experience
• Precision avionic and/or mechanical assembly
• Comfortable working to exacting standards, including cleanliness for oxygen service
• Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect assemblies to a high workmanship standard
• Be able to manufacture components to a high workmanship standard

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Have a sound understanding of standard industry ESD policy
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as autonomously
• Able to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
• A high work ethic, always seeking more responsibility. Able to work long hours if required
• Takes initiative
• Remains calm under pressure
• Computer literate, and comfortable using smartphones and tablets
• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground-breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year
• 4 days on, 3 days off shift pattern.

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 here ITAR Regulations.