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Senior HITL Technician I

Rocket Lab


Job Location:

Long Beach, NY - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 37 - 47
Posted: 14 August 2026 (19 days ago)
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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

SENIOR HITL TECHNICIAN I

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Senior HITL Technician I is responsible for designing maintaining and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the HITL Manager Shared Services and Space Systems organization with deliverables requested by internal leadership board of directors and investors.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

  • Fabricate assemble and test high-quality high-reliability harnessing
  • Build integrate and modify HITL test racks including equipment installation cable routing harness integration and basic checkout
  • Work hands-on with test and flight hardware
  • Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to build set up maintain and improve HITL test and simulation systems for Rocket Lab spacecraft systems or similar complex systems
  • Contribute to equipment rack layout and arrangement including equipment placement and buildability feedback
  • Build modify and iterate prototype rack designs in collaboration with engineering test and spacecraft teams
  • Use maintain and redline technical documentation via system diagrams schematics ICDs procedures and test/anomaly reports
  • Identify and communicate rack and harnessing buildability maintainability serviceability and integration risks during design build and integration activities

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR HITL TECHNICIAN I:

  • 8 years of relevant industry experience in harness fabrication rack assembly test systems or a similar technical environment
  • Hands-on experience with harness manufacturing rack assembly and rack integration
  • Proven ability to contribute to rack layout equipment arrangement cable routing harness integration and build activities
  • Ability to precisely follow quality inspection and manufacturing work instructions
  • Proficiency in reading interpreting and providing feedback on system diagrams schematics CAD drawings ICDs procedures and manufacturing documentation
  • Experience performing harness and rack electrical checks including continuity pinout and visual inspection
  • Sound understanding of standard industry ESD practices
  • Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and technician teams while raising buildability integration or test concerns early
  • U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Trade qualification in a relevant industry
  • Experience creating technical documentation including system diagrams schematics CAD drawings ICDs procedures and test/anomaly reports
  • Familiarity with common electrical test equipment such as DMMs oscilloscopes logic analyzers or similar tools
  • Experience with network devices Ethernet cabling fiber debugging servers routers switches or PLCs
  • Basic Python and Linux scripting skills
  • Precision soldering experience
  • Exposure to spacecraft systems HITL/PIL environments or similarly complex autonomous systems
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Teams and standard web-based applications
  • Strong attention to detail excellent communication skills self-motivation and ability to work under deadline pressure
  • TS/SCI Clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Stand and walkextended periods (8 hours) on production floor
  • Perform repetitive motions including grasping bending twisting reaching pushing and pulling
  • Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
  • Lift carry push and pull materials up to 25 lbs
  • Work in aproductionenvironment with noise moving machinery and varyingenvironmentalconditions
  • Flexibility to work extended hours weekends and varied shifts as operational needs require

#RL1

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option dental and vision coverage 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year 11 paid holidays per year flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts paid parental leave disability insurance life insurance and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program subsidized EV charging stations onsite gym food and drinks and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the companys discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$37 - $47 USD

Join one of the worlds fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of addition to competitive base payyoull receive company stock as part of your total compensation package giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites groundbreaking missions and global markets your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock) top-tier medical plans (HMO PPO and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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 and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging onsite fitness centers (where available) discounted gym memberships complimentary snacks and beverages 50% employee discount on our popular merch store and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$37 - $47 USD

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock) top-tier medical plans (HMO PPO and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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 and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging onsite fitness centers (where available) discounted gym memberships complimentary snacks and beverages 50% employee discount on our popular merch store and a variety of other employee discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the companys discretion.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$37 - $47 USD

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.


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

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The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components.

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