Lead Test Operations Technician
About The Position
Based at Rocket Lab’s Stennis Test Center at NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Lead Test Operations Technician leads the technician crew responsible for building, operating, and maintaining test assets and infrastructure needed for the Neutron program. The role sets job assignments according to workflow demands and drives daily and hourly progress. The Lead Technician builds, trains, manages, and retains a team, setting standards while also working hands-on in the field. The position works Thursday through Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The role may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Base pay is listed for California only as $107,000–$133,800 USD; actual level and base salary are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least 6 years of experience as an operating technician in test facilities, industrial plants, or other technical environments.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline.
- A&P License.
- Experience in a fast-paced production environment working in a similar type of test facility.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings.
- Knowledge of safety processes and experience handling hazardous goods and materials.
- Proven ability to align capacity with development and production forecasts.
- Proven ability to manage resources to meet expected increases in test rates.
- Experience applying 5S and other lean processes to streamline daily tasks.
- Proficiency with computers, MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP/MES), and related programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead test operations technicians and ensure clarity and accountability for responsibilities at the Stennis test site.
- Coordinate daily and weekly site activities with test operations, GSE, and the broader electrical team, including the electrical supervisor.
- Track team output against delivery objectives and manage team capacity planning and schedules.
- Drive improvement projects and work-instruction feedback to decrease touch time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk.
- Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility.
- Ensure team training and conformance with health and safety policies and procedures, including proper PPE use.
- Build, train, manage, and retain a team of technicians responsible for test infrastructure.
Benefits
- Company equity.
- Medical HMO, PPO, and a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Three weeks of paid vacation and five days of sick leave per year.
- Eleven paid holidays per year.
- Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Discounted employee stock purchase program.
- Subsidized EV charging stations.
- Onsite gym.
- Food and drinks.
- Other discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
