Assembly Integration & Test Technician II - A Shift

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION & TEST TECHNICIAN II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA the AIT Technician II is responsible for performing spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and workmanship. This role builds and integrates flight hardware by following engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing procedures. The technician is expected to demonstrate proficiency in electrical and mechanical assembly techniques, contribute to a collaborative production environment, and support the successful delivery of spacecraft hardware.

Our ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing foundation, takes pride in workmanship, and is eager to expand their technical skills within a fast-paced aerospace production environment.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards.

• Install electrical and mechanical hardware including harnesses, avionics components, heaters, RTDs, brackets, connectors, and other flight hardware.

• Utilize 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 as required.

• Support spacecraft functional testing, comprehensive performance testing (CPT), and environmental test campaigns as required.

• Support spacecraft propulsion integration activities including hardware installation, pressure testing, leak testing, and system verification in accordance with approved procedures.

• Support critical spacecraft lifts utilizing overhead cranes, mobile gantries, and approve lifting fixtures while adhering to established safety and handling procedures.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AIT TECHNICAN II:

• 2+ years of relevant manufacturing experience or demonstrated equivalent competency, preferably in aerospace.

• Experience following industry standards related to ESD, FOD, Tool Control, 5S, HAZMAT, and calibration.

• Familiar with working in cleanroom environments and aerospace cleanliness requirements.

• Proficient in harness fabrication and installation, including routing, lacing, shielding, clamping, and cable management.

• Experience installing avionics hardware such as electronic components, heaters, RTDs, connectors, and associated spacecraft hardware using engineering drawings and work instructions.

• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, installation drawings, and manufacturing work instructions.

• Hands-on experience using electrical assembly tools and test equipment including wire strippers, crimp tools, cable tie guns, multimeters, insulation resistance testers, oscilloscopes, and function generators.

• Hands-on experience using mechanical assembly tools including torque drivers, torque wrenches, pneumatic and electric tools, Cleco fasteners, calipers, feeler gauges, and radius gauges.

• HS Diploma or GED.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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 supporting design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews.

• Experience supporting customer inspections or mission-critical hardware reviews.

• Cross-functional expertise across multiple 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.

• Recognized 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work A Shift (Monday – Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm)

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces

• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed

• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping

• Use 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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.