ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
Electron
The Electron rocket is a small, expendable launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab, an American aerospace manufacturer with a wholly-owned New Zealand subsidiary. Designed to provide cost-effective access to space for small satellites, the Electron is specifically tailored for launching lightweight payloads, such as CubeSats and small scientific instruments, into low Earth orbit (LEO).
VEHICLE INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN II, SENIOR VEHICLE INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN - AVIONICS
Based out of Rocket Lab's new launch complex in Wallops Island, VA the Vehicle Integration Technician - Avionics is key to enabling LC-2 in delivering launches at the highest rate. With a focus on avionics and mechanical systems, you will be working with a tight-knit team of technicians and engineers to build, integrate, test, operate and maintain critical launch systems and process launch vehicles.
NOTE: This requisition can be hired at a Technician Level II, or Senior.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Assembly and installation of avionic and mechanical components onto the Electron Launch Vehicle
- Assembly of test equipment and other custom tooling as required
- Functional testing of components and systems using specific test equipment and software driven tests
- Use common hand tools – screwdrivers, pliers, spanners, torque drivers, milliohm meter, multimeter, oscilloscope, DC power supply etc
- Assisting engineering team in fault-finding systems
- Develop fit-out procedures and documentation
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL II TECHNICIAN:
- Current U.S. Passport or be willing and able to obtain a valid U.S. Passport
- 5+ years of experience within an aerospace, industrial or relevant industry environment
- Experience in test, build and assembly of electrical and mechanical systems and components
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR TECHNICIAN:
- Current U.S. Passport or willing and able to obtain a valid U.S. Passport
- 8+ years of experience within an aerospace, industrial or relevant industry environment
- Experience in test, build and assembly of electrical and mechanical systems and components
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Precision avionics and mechanical assembly
- Experienced or trained with lean methodologies and 5S
- Comfortable working to exacting standards, including cleanliness for oxygen service
- Understanding of standard industry ESD
- Ability to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
- Please note: *This role will initially require up to 25% travel to our facility in New Zealand for training*
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 [email protected] 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.
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options are offered, including a company‑sponsored HSA plan option and supportive ancillary benefits. These elements portray comprehensive healthcare support for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase program with discounted share access and a look‑back feature, alongside eligibility for equity, is presented as a strong component of total rewards. This structure can meaningfully augment cash pay for those who value long‑term upside.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and paid parental leave are included. These provisions indicate a complete time‑off offering for a midsize aerospace employer.
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What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
