Avionics Manufacturing Technician II

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.

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Avionics Manufacturing Technician II is responsible for building and testing components and electrical assemblies of the Rutherford rocket engine – an electric propellant pump system. Avionics Manufacturing Technicians are responsible for a broad range of responsibilities including soldering, wire harnessing, PCB assembly, functional testing, operating thermal chambers, creative ideas, and offering continuous improvement recommendations.

• Follow work instructions and offer recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Speak openly and elevate concerns / recommendations to Leading Hand.
• Think creatively, and question status quo.
• Actively contribute to local 5S work center.
• Identify and highlight abnormalities.
• Complete assigned special projects and scheduled jobs.

• 2+ years of experience with electrical assemblies and components
• High School diploma or GED
• PCB assembly experience
• Soldering and/or harnessing of small electrical assemblies
• Use of common tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, spanners, soldering irons

• Inspect PCB and wiring assemblies meet customer workmanship standards.
• Use of specialist tools and equipment; wire strippers, torque drivers, milliohmmeter, multimeter, DC power supply, etc.
• Experience testing components, sub‑assemblies, and operating test equipment
• Operate thermal chambers, functional test equipment, and perform software driven tests.
• Knowledge of standard industry Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) policy
• Manufacture electronic components to NASA workmanship standards using either IPC‑J‑STD‑001 or IPC‑610
• Manufacture electrical harnesses to IPC‑620 standards.
• Experience assembling per manufacturing instructions and drawings.

• Willing to work Monday - Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm
• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time
• Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro‑chemical manufacturing environment
• Must be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces
• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $25 – $35 USD per hour (level and base salary…