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.