Lead Assembly Integration & Test Technician

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

1d•$40 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Lead Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) Technician coordinates daily spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities and provides technical guidance and operational leadership to a team of technicians. Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, this role connects production management, technicians, engineering, quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure spacecraft manufacturing operations are performed safely, efficiently, and to high-quality standards. The Lead AIT Technician sets daily priorities, assigns and monitors work, resolves production constraints, prepares for upcoming production needs, and ensures compliance with approved work instructions, configuration control, and workmanship standards. The role also mentors and develops technicians and identifies improvements to safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency. The position requires physical activity including extended standing and walking, ladder climbing, and working in tight spaces.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft assembly and integration, avionics, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
Strong technical proficiency in electrical and mechanical assembly processes, engineering documentation, and aerospace workmanship standards.
Ability to coordinate work, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results in a fast-paced production environment.
Ability to mentor, train, and positively influence others through effective communication and leadership by example.
Strong problem-solving skills, including anticipating challenges, exercising sound judgment, and escalating issues appropriately.
Demonstrated accountability and professional integrity, with the ability to build trust and maintain productive working relationships.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and execution.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, with a minimum of 8 hours stated.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Ability to climb ladders and work in tight spaces.
Ability to perform physical tasks including bending, twisting, crawling, stooping, stretching, grasping, pulling, pushing, and handling or controlling tools and objects.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a team lead, technical lead, or in a similar manufacturing leadership role.
Experience with spacecraft integration, functional testing, environmental testing, or propulsion systems.
Experience with AS9100, IPC-WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, and NASA workmanship standards.
Experience with MES, ERP, Jira, or other manufacturing execution and production tracking systems.
Experience supporting NCR, MRB, RCCA, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience coordinating production schedules, resource allocation, and cross-functional issue resolution.
Experience developing training programs, standardizing manufacturing processes, or supporting Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate daily spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities, ensuring work is safe, efficient, and compliant with engineering and quality requirements.
Set daily priorities, assign work, monitor progress, and maintain accountability for production commitments and schedule execution.
Identify and resolve production constraints, including material shortages, engineering discrepancies, quality issues, and resource limitations.
Coordinate communication between technicians, production management, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and other supporting organizations.
Anticipate production requirements and ensure work packages, materials, tooling, and personnel are prepared.
Provide technical guidance, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and ensure compliance with approved work instructions, configuration control, and workmanship standards.
Mentor and develop technicians through coaching, knowledge sharing, cross-training, and constructive performance feedback.
Promote ownership, integrity, teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency.

Benefits

Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
Dental and vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.