Senior Spacecraft Assembly & Test Technician

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical, dental, vision plans

Paid vacation & sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Snacks & beverages

Discounted company merch

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a seasoned Assembly Integration & Test Technician III for the Long Beach, CA facility. You will build, assemble, and test spacecraft hardware, install avionics and harnesses, and support propulsion integration in a fast-paced aerospace production environment.

The role demands leadership in complex campaigns, hands-on workmanship, and a commitment to safety and quality; experience with Lifting fixtures and ITAR-related processes is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience or subject matter expertise, preferably in aerospace.
• Demonstrated technical leadership on complex spacecraft assembly, integration & test campaigns.
• Experience with advanced mechanical rework including drilling, tapping, precision alignment, and bonded repairs.
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems including pressure testing, leak testing, propellant handling, vacuum systems, or thrust stand operations.
• Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems such as solar arrays, propulsion, payloads, or exemplar flight hardware.
• Experience leading critical spacecraft lifts using overhead cranes, gantries, and lifting fixtures.
• Ability to lead troubleshooting across engineering disciplines.
• Ability to identify manufacturing risks and drive improvements for safety, quality, cost or schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware per drawings, instructions, and standards.
• Install electrical and mechanical hardware including harnesses, avionics, heaters, connectors, and flight hardware.
• Use assembly tools, measurement equipment and calibrated tooling safely and effectively.
• Perform functional checks, continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and production verifications.
• Support spacecraft functional testing, CPT, and environmental test campaigns as required.
• Support propulsion integration activities including installation, pressure & leak testing, and verification.
• Assist with critical lifts using overhead cranes and lifting fixtures per procedures.

Skills

5+ years experience

Technical leadership

Spacecraft assembly

Propulsion systems

Safety & quality

Troubleshooting

Tools

SAP

MES

ERP

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a seasoned Assembly Integration & Test Technician III for the Long Beach, CA facility. You will build, assemble, and test spacecraft hardware, install avionics and harnesses, and support propulsion integration in a fast-paced aerospace production environment.

The role demands leadership in complex campaigns, hands-on workmanship, and a commitment to safety and quality; experience with Lifting fixtures and ITAR-related processes is preferred.