Aerospace Test Technician II/III

Rocketlab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking an Aerospace Test Technician II/III to support development and environmental testing of spaceflight hardware, including deployment mechanisms and test fixtures. You will perform environmental tests, operate hardware, inspect components, and contribute to maintenance and process improvements.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 2+ years (III: 5+ years) in aerospace environmental testing, and basic electronics knowledge.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years in aerospace environmental testing.
• Understanding basic electronic circuitry.

Responsibilities

• Perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms using established procedures.
• Operate spaceflight hardware and test fixtures using data acquisition systems.
• Attach and remove components on spaceflight hardware.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical components after test completion.
• Perform maintenance on test fixtures.
• Generate ideas for potential process improvements.
• Assist with non-conformance investigations.

Skills

Electronics basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

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.

AEROSPACE TEST TECHNICIAN II/III

As an Aerospace Test Technician based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will have the opportunity to support the development and testing of cutting-edge spaceflight hardware, including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. In this role, you will perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms and assist with the operation, inspection, and maintenance of spaceflight hardware and test fixtures. To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

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

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms using established procedures. Tests include static load, thermal vacuum, benchtop operation, separation, shock, and vibration.
• Operate spaceflight hardware and test fixtures using data acquisition systems and established procedures.
• Attach and remove components on spaceflight hardware.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical components after test completion.
• Perform maintenance on test fixtures.
• Generate ideas for potential process improvements.
• Assist with non-conformance investigations.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN AEROSPACE TEST TECHNICIAN II:

• High school diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
• Understanding basic electronic circuitry.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN AEROSPACE TEST TECHNICIAN III:

• High school diploma or GED
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
• Understanding basic electronic circuitry.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Associates or bachelors degree
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
• Proficient with electronic circuitry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

#RL1

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$23—$32 USD

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$23—$32 USD

Base Salary

$23—$32 USD

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.

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 [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 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.