Vehicle Integration Technician, all levels

Rocket Lab USA; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking Vehicle Integration Technician I-IV to install fluids, avionics, and other components on the Neutron launch vehicle, and to perform functional tests and inspections.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team to meet production and launch schedules, uphold high precision standards, and adapt to dynamic priorities across integration, testing, and day-of-launch activities.

This role requires safety-focused discipline and a willingness to extend hours when needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in the assembly and testing in fluids, avionics, vehicle components, and systems testing/troubleshooting.
• Must be able to read assembly drawings and follow manufacturing instructions.

Responsibilities

• Install fluids, avionics, and other components onto the launch vehicle and perform functional tests and inspections.
• Engage in hands-on work with tools, equipment, and facilities to build, launch, or test Rocket Lab launch vehicles or components.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to meet production and launch schedules.
• Adhere to high precision standards in assembly tasks, including crimping, soldering, and harness termination.
• Conduct inspections to ensure components and assemblies meet workmanship standards.
• Manage multiple tasks and pivot onto high-priority tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Manual dexterity

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Fluids integration

Avionics integration

Vehicle integration

Systems testing

Forklift operation

Power tools

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!

Vehicle Integration Technician I-IV

Join the Vehicle Integration team as a Vehicle Integration Technician I-IV, where you will play a pivotal role in the installation of mechanical, electrical, and fluids components along with integrated systems testing of Neutron launch vehicles. Our team is comprised of highly skilled integration technicians with a diverse background and various fields of expertise working seamlessly together to see the launch vehicle through production from integration all the way to day‑of‑launch activities. The ability to adapt and employ a versatile skillset is essential.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Install fluids, avionics, and all other components onto the launch vehicle along with troubleshooting and completing functional tests of the fully integrated launch vehicle
• Engage in hands‑on work with tools, equipment, and facilities to build, launch, or test Rocket Lab launch vehicles or components.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to meet production and launch schedules.
• Adhere to high precision standards in assembly tasks, including crimping, soldering, and harness termination.
• Conduct inspections to ensure components and assemblies meet stringent workmanship standards.
• Actively contribute to setting up local 5S work centers.
• Manage multiple tasks and pivot onto exciting high‑priority tasks.
• Other duties as assigned

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A VEHICLE INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN I:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in the assembly and testing in any of the following:
  • Fluids component integration/fabrication
  • Avionics component integration/fabrication
  • Vehicle component integration
  • Systems testing and troubleshooting

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A VEHICLE INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in the assembly and testing in any of the following:
  • Avionics component integration/fabrication
  • Vehicle component integration
  • Systems testing and troubleshooting
  • Fluids component integration/fabrication

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A VEHICLE INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN III:

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in the assembly and testing in any of the following:
  • Fluids component integration/fabrication
  • Avionics component integration/fabrication
  • Vehicle component integration
  • Systems testing and troubleshooting

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A VEHICLE INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN IV:

• 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in the assembly and testing in any of the following:
  • Fluids component integration/fabrication
  • Avionics component integration/fabrication
  • Vehicle component integration
  • Systems testing and troubleshooting

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Maintenance skills including: troubleshooting, precision cleaning, components disassembly/assembly, system testing, and others.
• The ability to read and build assembly drawings
• Experience and comfortability with necessary equipment to perform job duties including:
  • Forklift, telehandler, boom lift, scissor lift, power tools, torque wrenches and others
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to work to exacting standards.
• Good level of eyesight for inspecting assemblies and manufacturing components to high workmanship standards.
• Ability to work effectively in both team environments and independently.
• Capable of reading, understanding, and following manufacturing instructions and drawings.
• High work ethic with a proactive approach; willingness to take on more responsibility and work long hours if required.
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Computer literate, comfortable using smartphones and tablets.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
• Attend group meetings and provide ideas on how to overcome challenges through alternative methods.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvements and cost‑saving measures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated heightsmallspaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stoopingUse 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 (MD Only)

$28 — $50 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.