Lead Assembly Integration & Test Technician

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 humanitys 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.

LEAD ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION & TEST (AIT) TECHNICIAN

Based onsite at Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Lead AIT Technician is responsible for coordinating daily spacecraft assembly integration and test activities while providing technical guidance and operational leadership to a team of technicians.

This role serves as a critical link between production management technicians engineering quality and other cross-functional teams to ensure safe efficient and high quality execution of spacecraft manufacturing operations.

Our ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical competency sound judgment personal accountability and a commitment to developing others. They lead by example take ownership of challenges and foster a culture of teamwork integrity and continuous improvement.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead and coordinate daily spacecraft assembly integration and test activities ensuring work is executed safely efficiently and in accordance with engineering and quality requirements.
• Establish daily priorities assign work monitor progress and maintain accountability for production commitments and schedule execution.
• Proactively identify and resolve production constraints including material shortages engineering discrepancies quality issues and resource limitations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for technicians facilitating communication and coordination with production management Manufacturing Engineering Quality and other supporting organizations.
• Maintain awareness of upcoming production requirements ensuring work packages materials tooling and personnel are prepared to support uninterrupted production flow.
• 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 a culture of ownership integrity teamwork and accountability while consistently demonstrating professionalism and sound judgment.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance safety quality productivity and manufacturing efficiency.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEAD AIT TECHNICIAN:

• Demonstrated experience in aerospace manufacturing spacecraft assembly and integration avionics or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical proficiency in electrical and mechanical assembly processes engineering documentation and aerospace workmanship standards.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate work prioritize competing demands and deliver results in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proven ability to mentor train and positively influence others through effective communication and leadership by example.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges exercise sound judgment and escalate issues appropriately.
• Demonstrated accountability professional integrity and 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.
• HS Diploma or GED.

AS A LEAD AIT TECHNICIAN THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Previous experience serving as a team lead technical lead or in a similar manufacturing leadership capacity.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing for long periods of time climbing up and down ladders bending grasping sitting pulling pushing stooping and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position.
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively bend or twist and use hands to handle control or feel objects tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods 8 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop bend crawl and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.