Senior Spacecraft Assembly & Test Lead

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

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.