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Rocket Lab • Wallops Island, VA, United States
Role & seniority: Lead Vehicle Integration and Test Technician (senior/lead role)
Stack/tools: multi-discipline launch vehicle assembly and test; mechanical, fluids, and avionics systems; equipment includes forklifts, telehandler, boom lift, scissor lift, power tools, torque wrenches; cleanroom/ISO cleanliness awareness; tubing fabrication (optional)
Lead the development and implementation of Neutron assembly and test procedures
Provide hands-on leadership to technicians; develop, document, and train on procedures and industry standards
Troubleshoot issues, drive workflow improvements, and support rapid Neutron processing; collaborate with system owners and production teams
12+ years relevant industry experience; 5+ years in launch vehicle fluid-system assembly/testing (pneumatic, cryogenic, electrical)
Broad understanding of Launch Vehicle systems; strong attention to detail; ability to lead and mentor a team
Maintenance/troubleshooting, precision cleaning, disassembly/assembly, system testing
Experience with cleanroom work, ISO cleanliness; fabrication (tube bending/flare), avionics installation and harness routing
Proficiency with forklifts/industrial equipment; ability to commute to multiple sites
Location & work type: Baltimore, MD (Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex) with collaboration across Auckland, NZ; Long Beach, CA; Stennis, MS; on-site, full-time, multi-site coor
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
NEUTRON
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
LEAD VEHICLE INTEGRATION AND TEST TECHNICIAN
The role of Lead Vehicle Integration and Test Technician is key to enabling the build of the Neutron launch vehicle. This role will work closely with system Responsible Engineers and a tight nit team of talented technicians that will lead the build, integration and test of the Neutron launch vehicles mechanical, fluids, and avionics systems. This role requires a multi-discipline problem solver who has a broad understanding of Launch Vehicle systems and an extreme eye for detail.
Play a crucial role in the creation and implementation of Neutrons assembly and test procedures
Work closely with various system owners to develop and document procedures
Provide hands-on leadership and guidance to a team of technicians in the implementation of assembly and test procedures
Lead and train technicians in industry standards and best practice for the installation and testing of aerospace flight components
Troubleshoot and work solutions to unforeseen issues and drive workflow best practices and efficiency improvements
Provide support with other operations as needed to enable the rapid processing of Neutron
Help drive the specification and setup of technician workstations and tooling requirements for Neutrons Integration
Work alongside the Neutron production team at the Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex in Baltimore MD learning and helping develop various integration procedures
Work with greater Rocket Lab manufacturing and integration teams in Auckland, New Zealand; Long Beach, CA; and Stennis Space Center, MS.
12+ years of relevant industry experience.
High School diploma or GED.
Maintenance skills include troubleshooting, precision cleaning, components disassembly/assembly, system testing, and others.
Experience and comfortability with necessary equipment to perform job duties including driving forklifts, telehandler, boom lift, scissor lift, power tools, torque wrenches and others
Experience with cleanroom work and a sound understanding of ISO cleanliness standards
Fabrication skills including tube bending, tube flaring, and mechanical assembly
Avionics installation and harness routing experience
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
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.
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 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.