Lead Fabrication Technician - Shift

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. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing the Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle, and designing and building an extensive line of satellites and payloads for NASA missions and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Based at Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Lead Fabrication Technician is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing of parts used to build Rutherford, an innovative electric turbo‑pump rocket engine that powers Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle.

• Lead and guide the fabrication and test team.
• Perform high‑pressure pneumatic operations (GN2/HE) and hydrostatic testing.
• Set up and operate Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems, including Flex Logger and Lab View.
• Troubleshoot and repair valves, regulators, pressure relief valves, pressure transducers, and check valves.
• Work with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to ensure testing accuracy.
• Handle LN2/cryogenic components during testing procedures and document results.
• Generate Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs) to address and resolve issues.

• 8+ years of experience with EDM, orbital tube welding, deburring, welding, and clean line operations.
• Knowledgeable about various materials used in fabrication, including metals, plastics, and composites.
• Hands‑on experience with valves, regulators, pressure relief valves, pressure transducers, and check valves.
• Experience with Material Review Board (MRB) processes and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).

• Experience performing torquing, safety/lock wire installation, assembly per work instructions, and environmental tests (proof and leak).
• Knowledge of various materials used in fabrication, including metals, plastics, and composites.
• A&P, trade, or industry certification.
• Experience with inventory control and in‑space testing.

• Willing to work A Shift (Monday–Friday 5:00 am – 1:30 pm).
• Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on the production floor.
• Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

$35 – $50 USD

Employees may receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package that includes top‑tier medical coverage (HMO/PPO), a 100% company‑sponsored HSA option, dental and vision, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional discounts.

Equal Employment Opportunity: 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, 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, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

ITAR Compliance: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or a NATO country.

Accommodations: Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at