Senior Assembly Integration and Test Technician - B Shift

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock purchase program

EV charging stations

Onsite gym

Food and drinks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Assembly Integration & Test Technician (B Shift) to lead spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities on flight hardware. You will follow engineering drawings and procedures, install harnesses and avionics, perform functional checks, and support CPT and environmental testing.

Strong leadership and safety mindset are essential for this fast-paced aerospace production role.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft assembly, integration, and test.
• Recognized subject matter expert in multiple spacecraft assembly disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead the organization’s most technically complex spacecraft builds and integration activities.
• Extensive experience with spacecraft propulsion systems, environmental testing, spacecraft handling operations, and integrated system testing.
• Advanced understanding of aerospace workmanship standards, engineering documentation, configuration management, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes, reducing defects, and increasing production efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor senior technicians and develop technical capability throughout the organization.
• Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, managers, and executive leadership.
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule pressure while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing

Spacecraft assembly

System integration

Test & verification

Leadership

Mentoring

Engineering documentation

Safety compliance

Tools

SAP

MES

ERP

Job description

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 rocket has 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, 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.

SENIOR ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION & TEST – B SHIFT

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's 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.

WHAT YOU’LL 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.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR AIT TECHNICIAN:

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft assembly, integration, and test, or demonstrated equivalent technical expertise.
• Recognized subject matter expert in multiple spacecraft assembly disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead the organization’s most technically complex spacecraft builds and integration activities.
• Extensive experience with spacecraft propulsion systems, environmental testing, spacecraft handling operations, and integrated system testing.
• Advanced understanding of aerospace workmanship standards, engineering documentation, configuration management, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes, reducing defects, and increasing production efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor senior technicians and develop technical capability throughout the organization.
• Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, managers, and executive leadership.
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule pressure while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

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 B Shift (Monday – Thursday 3:15pm - 1:45am)
• 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

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $30 – $45 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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.