Electro-Mechanical Technician

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 to 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. 

Rocket Lab Robotics

At Rocket Lab Robotics, we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of what's possible in space. From Mars-proven robotic arms to precision motion control systems for the most demanding environments in our solar system, our team delivers advanced electro-mechanical solutions for planetary exploration and various satellite programs. We've engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASA's Perseverance rover, supported lunar exploration through the CADRE rover program, and developed precision mechanisms for spacecraft subsystems including solar array drives, antenna gimbals, and optical payloads. As part of Rocket Lab, we combine the focus of small, dedicated robotics teams with the resources of a leading end-to-end space company, empowering some of the boldest missions in history. We're looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN- ALL-LEVELS

We are currently seeking a Electro-Mechanical Technician at all-levels to join our advanced manufacturing team. The Electro-Mechanical Technician will play a crucial part in the precision assembly of avionics and electronic systems for Neutron launch vehicle components, and will also play a key role in electrical integration and testing of flight hardware.

 WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Work on a high caliber cross functional team
• Perform mechanical and electrical assembly of PCB assemblies for flight hardware
• Build electrical sub-assemblies and fabricate wire harnesses
• Execute soldering and desoldering operations on through-hole and SMT components
• Support conformal coating, masking, epoxy application and coating operations
• Support mechanical assembly and integration of electro-mechanical systems
• Assist with functional testing on flight and non-flight hardware
• Fabricate first article harness assemblies and prototype electro-mechanical assemblies
• Validate parts lists for avionics and electronics hardware
• Assist with development of production processes for first-time production runs
• Watch the hardware you build evolve into a completed Rocket and go to space
• Uphold shop cleanliness and organization

 (Please note: this position can be hired as a Electro-Mechanical Technician I, Electro-Mechanical Technician II, Electro-Mechanical Technician III, or a Senior Electro-Mechanical Technician) 

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN I:

• High School Diploma or GED with relevant experience in electro-mechanical assembly
• Demonstrated experience fabricating harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Proven experience in prototype development and first article builds
• Experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists
• Proficiency in both through-hole and SMT soldering/desoldering techniques
• Proficient with computers and MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN II:

• High School Diploma or GED with 2+ years of relevant experience in electro-mechanical assembly
• Demonstrated experience fabricating harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Proven experience in prototype development and first article builds
• Experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists
• Proficiency in both through-hole and SMT soldering/desoldering techniques
• Proficient with computers and MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN III:

• High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years of relevant experience in electro-mechanical assembly
• Demonstrated experience fabricating harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Proven experience in prototype development and first article builds
• Experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists
• Proficiency in both through-hole and SMT soldering/desoldering techniques
• Proficient with computers and MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word).

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN:

• High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years of relevant experience in electro-mechanical assembly
• Demonstrated experience fabricating harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Proven experience in prototype development and first article builds
• Experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists
• Proficiency in both through-hole and SMT soldering/desoldering techniques
• Proficient with computers and MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Associates degree in Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field is desired
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Ability to perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner
• Ability to think creatively and independently while following documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards
• Current or past certification in NASA-STD-8739.3, IPC-610, J-STD-001, or equivalent standards
• Clean room experience in controlled manufacturing environments
• Experience with aerospace or avionics hardware
• Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality management systems
• Experience with flight hardware manufacturing
• Experience in new space or aerospace industry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
• 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

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)

$30—$40 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.