Lead Fabrication Technician - Shift

Lead Fabrication Technician

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 environment 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 5:00am – 1:30pm).
• Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on 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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $35–$50 USD. Salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package, including top tier medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include discount employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional discounts.

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  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.

To comply with 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, or otherwise eligible under U.S. regulations. Learn more about ITAR.

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken before any offer. Background checks include nationality checks. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of certain nations or hold ineligible dual citizenship. For more information, see ITAR Regulations.