Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician

Rocket Lab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Vehicle Integration and Test Technician in Virginia to lead the assembly and testing of Neutron launch vehicle components. You will work with system owners to document procedures and guide a team of technicians in industry-standard installation and testing of aerospace flight components.

The role requires 8+ years in regulated manufacturing, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to work extended hours on varied shifts.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Play a crucial role in the creation and implementation of Neutron's assembly and test procedures.
• Work closely with system owners to develop and document procedures.
• Provide hands‑on leadership and guidance to a team of technicians in assembly and test procedures.
• Lead and train technicians in industry standards and best practice for installation and testing of aerospace flight components.
• Troubleshoot and drive workflow improvements to achieve efficiency.

Skills

8+ years experience

Eye for detail

Multi-discipline problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Telehandler

Boom lift

Scissor lift

Power tools

Torque wrenches

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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, and 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:

• 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 (VA Only)$30-$40 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] 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.