Senior Spacecraft Assembly & Test Technician

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Excellent medical plans

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) matching

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior AIT Technician to lead assembly, integration, and test of spacecraft hardware, following engineering drawings and procedures. This role demands a strong manufacturing foundation and pride in workmanship to support fast-paced aerospace production.

You will install electrical and mechanical hardware, perform functional and insulation tests, support CPT and environmental campaigns, and assist propulsion integration with safe lifting practices.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant manufacturing experience or SME in aerospace.
• Technical leadership on complex spacecraft assembly, integration, and test campaigns.
• Experience with advanced mechanical rework including drilling, tapping, and precision alignment.
• Experience with propulsion systems including pressure testing, leak testing, propellant handling, or vacuum systems.
• Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems such as solar arrays and deployable mechanisms.
• Ability to lead troubleshooting across engineering disciplines.
• Interpret engineering intent when drawings require clarification.
• Ability to identify risks and implement process improvements for safety, quality, cost, or schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware per drawings and procedures.
• Install electrical and mechanical hardware including harnesses and avionics components.
• Utilize assembly tools and calibrated tooling safely and effectively.
• Perform functional checks, continuity, and insulation resistance tests.
• Support functional testing, CPT, environmental test campaigns.
• Support propulsion integration, including testing and verification.
• Lead critical spacecraft lifts using cranes and fixtures with safety adherence.

Skills

Technical leadership

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

Interpreting drawings

Mentoring technicians

Safety & quality focus

Process improvements

Problem solving

Education

IPC-WHMA-A-620 certification

J-STD-001 certification

NCCCO Certified Rigger

Tools

SAP

MES

ERP

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior AIT Technician to lead assembly, integration, and test of spacecraft hardware, following engineering drawings and procedures. This role demands a strong manufacturing foundation and pride in workmanship to support fast-paced aerospace production.

You will install electrical and mechanical hardware, perform functional and insulation tests, support CPT and environmental campaigns, and assist propulsion integration with safe lifting practices.