Lead Test Operations Technician

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.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of a re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

• A Shift: Monday – Thursday, 5:00am – 3:30pm
• B Shift: Monday – Thursday, 3:00pm – 1:30pm

Based out of Rocket Lab's Stennis Test Center at the NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Lead Test Operations Technician is responsible for leading the efforts of the test operations technician crew to build, operate and maintain various test assets onsite required for the success of the Neutron program. This will be a highly influential position with daily responsibility for setting job assignments to meet workflow demands and to drive day by day and hour by hour progress.

The Lead Technician will build, train, manage and retain a team of technicians responsible for building, maintaining and operating the test infrastructure required for the success of the Neutron program. In this role you must be an inspiring leader and set standards for the team but also be ready to work with your hands in the field.

• Lead a team of highly qualified test operations technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at our Stennis test site
• Coordinate daily and weekly site activities with test ops, GSE, and the larger electrical team, including the electrical supervisor
• Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team
• Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that decrease touch‑time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk
• Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility
• Accountable for the team training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures, including use of proper PPE

• High school diploma or GED
• 6+ years of experience as an operating technician in test facilities, industrial plants, or other technical environments
• Associate's degree or bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline
• A&P License
• Experience preferred in fast‑paced production environment working in a similar type of test facility
• Ability to read, understand, and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
• Knowledge of safety processes and experience with handling hazardous goods and materials
• Proven ability to align capacity to development and production forecasts
• Proven ability to manage resources to meet expected test rate increases
• Experience with applying 5S and other lean processes to streamline daily tasks
• Proficient with computers, the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP/MES) and related programs

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic…