Senior Assembly Integration & Test Technician

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

18h•$32 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Assembly Integration & Test Technician performs spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role builds and integrates flight hardware by following engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing procedures while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and workmanship. The technician applies electrical and mechanical assembly skills, contributes to a collaborative production environment, and supports successful delivery of spacecraft hardware. The position involves installing and verifying spacecraft hardware, supporting spacecraft and propulsion system testing, and carrying out critical lifts using approved equipment and procedures. The technician is also expected to provide technical leadership on complex campaigns, troubleshoot across engineering disciplines, recognize manufacturing risks, and contribute to process improvements. The role requires working B shift, Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., with flexibility for extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts when operational needs require.

Requirements

At least 8 years of relevant manufacturing experience or demonstrated subject matter expertise; aerospace experience is preferred.
Demonstrated technical leadership on complex spacecraft assembly, integration, and test campaigns.
Experience performing advanced mechanical rework, including drilling, tapping, precision alignment, and bonded repairs.
Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems, including pressure testing, leak testing, propellant handling, vacuum systems, or thrust stand operations.
Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems such as solar arrays, propulsion systems, payloads, deployable mechanisms, or equivalent flight hardware.
Experience performing critical spacecraft lifts using overhead cranes, mobile gantries, and approved lifting fixtures.
Ability to lead troubleshooting efforts involving multiple engineering disciplines.
Ability to identify manufacturing risks and implement process improvements that improve safety, quality, cost, or schedule.
Ability to interpret engineering intent when drawings or work instructions require clarification.
Willingness to work B shift, Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces.
Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated heights, in small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed.
Ability to perform repetitive motions, including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping.
Manual precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to 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.

Nice To Haves

Current IPC-WHMA-A-620 certification.
Current J-STD-001 certification.
NCCCO Certified Rigger.
Experience developing or improving manufacturing work instructions.
Experience supporting MRB, NCR, RCCA, or 5-Why investigations.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training.
Experience with SAP, MES, ERP, or other manufacturing execution systems.
GD&T interpretation experience.
Experience supporting design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews.
Experience supporting customer inspections or mission-critical hardware reviews.
Cross-functional expertise across spacecraft subsystems, including avionics, propulsion, structures, harnessing, environmental test, and spacecraft integration.
Demonstrated ability to perform work safely while maintaining quality, workmanship, and configuration control.
Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional production team.
Recognition as a technical subject matter expert in one or more spacecraft assembly disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to mentor technicians across multiple skill levels while driving workmanship excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware according to engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards.
Install electrical and mechanical hardware, including harnesses, avionics components, heaters, RTDs, brackets, connectors, and other flight hardware.
Use electrical and mechanical assembly tools, measurement equipment, and calibrated tooling safely and effectively.
Perform functional checks, continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and other production verification activities.
Support spacecraft functional testing, comprehensive performance testing (CPT), and environmental test campaigns.
Support spacecraft propulsion integration, including hardware installation, pressure testing, leak testing, and system verification under approved procedures.
Support critical spacecraft lifts using overhead cranes, mobile gantries, and approved lifting fixtures in accordance with safety and handling procedures.
Provide technical leadership on complex spacecraft assembly, integration, and test campaigns.
Lead troubleshooting efforts involving multiple engineering disciplines.
Identify manufacturing risks and implement process improvements that improve safety, quality, cost, or schedule.
Interpret engineering intent when drawings or work instructions require clarification.

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 significant 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.