Lead Assembly Integration & Test Technician

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Lead Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) Technician coordinates daily spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role provides technical guidance and operational leadership to a team of technicians and connects production management, technicians, engineering, quality, and other cross-functional teams to support safe, efficient, high-quality spacecraft manufacturing. The Lead AIT Technician sets priorities, assigns work, monitors progress, resolves production constraints, and ensures people, materials, tooling, and work packages are ready to support production. The role also guides technicians in following approved work instructions, configuration controls, and workmanship standards; mentors and develops the team; and identifies opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency. This position is onsite. Physical requirements include standing or walking for extended periods (at least eight hours), climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. The stated hourly pay range for California is $40–$50. Benefits include employee stock purchase, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match, among other perks. U.S. office candidates must meet applicable ITAR eligibility requirements.

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 stated minimum of eight hours; climb ladders; and work in tight spaces.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Ability to perform repeated movement, bending or twisting, and handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; ability to stoop, bend, and crawl.

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 in accordance with safety, 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.
Prepare for upcoming production needs by ensuring work packages, materials, tooling, and personnel are ready.
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 improvements to 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 coverage
Vision coverage
Paid vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
Paid parental leave
Disability insurance
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