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.

LEAD ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION & TEST (AIT) TECHNICIAN 

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s 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 YOU’LL 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.

YOU’LL 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

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 company’s discretion.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)$40—$50 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.