Environmental Test Technician II

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

As an Environmental Test Technician based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will have the opportunity to support the development and testing of cutting-edge spaceflight hardware, including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. In this role, you will perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms and assist with the operation, inspection, and maintenance of spaceflight hardware and test fixtures.

To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

• Perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms using established procedures. Tests include static load, thermal vacuum, benchtop operation, separation, shock, and vibration.
• Operate spaceflight hardware and test fixtures using data acquisition systems and established procedures.
• Attach and remove components on spaceflight hardware.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical components after test completion.
• Perform maintenance on test fixtures.
• Generate ideas for potential process improvements.
• Assist with non-conformance investigations.

• High school diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
• Understanding basic electronic circuitry.

• Associates or bachelors degree
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
• Proficient with electronic circuitry

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up…