Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician

Rocket Lab Corporation; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician in Wallops Island, VA. In this role, you will lead the assembly and testing of the Neutron launch vehicle. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment and a high school diploma or GED. You’ll work with a talented team, developing procedures to ensure efficient workflow and quality standards. Join us to push the boundaries of space technology while working on exciting projects.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of assembly and/or test experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the assembly and testing of launch vehicle fluid systems.
• Maintenance skills including troubleshooting and precision cleaning.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement Neutron assembly and test procedures.
• Develop and document procedures with system owners.
• Lead and train technicians in assembly and testing.

Skills

Assembly experience

Multi-discipline problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Telehandler

Boom lift

Scissor lift

Power tools

Torque wrenches

Job description

Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician

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 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 rockethas 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR VEHICLE INTEGRATION AND TEST TECHNICIAN

The role of Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician is key to enabling the build of the Neutron launch vehicle. This role will work closely with system Responsible Engineers and a tight nit team of talented technicians that will lead the build, integration and test of the Neutron launch vehicles mechanical, fluids, and avionics systems. This role requires a multi-discipline problem solver who has a broad understanding of Launch Vehicle systems and an extreme eye for detail.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Play a crucial role in the creation and implementation of Neutrons assembly and test procedures
• Work closely with various system owners to develop and document procedures
• Provide hands‑on leadership and guidance to a team of technicians in the implementation of assembly and test procedures
• Lead and train technicians in industry standards and best practice for the installation and testing of aerospace flight components
• Troubleshoot and work solutions to unforeseen issues and drive workflow best practices and efficiency improvements
• Provide support on other operations as needed to enable the rapid processing of Neutron
• Help drive the specification and setup of technician workstations and tooling requirements for Neutrons Integration
• Work alongside the Neutron production team at the Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex in Baltimore MD learning and helping develop various integration procedures
• Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR VEHICLE INTEGRATION AND TEST TECHNICIAN:

• 8+ years of assembly and/or test experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• High School diploma or GED.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in the assembly and testing of launch vehicle fluid systems including:
  • Pneumatic
  • Cryogenic
  • Electrical
  • Others
• Maintenance skills including: troubleshooting, precision cleaning, components disassembly/assembly, system testing, and others.
• Experience and comfortability with necessary equipment to perform job duties including:
  • Forklift
  • Telehandler
  • Boom lift
  • Scissor lift
  • Power tools
  • Torque wrenches and others
• Experience with cleanroom work and a sound understanding of ISO cleanliness standards
• Fabrication skills including: Tube bending, tube flaring, and mechanical assembly
• Avionics installation and harness routing experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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.

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 do not 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.