Aerospace Production Technician II
Rocket Lab
$43,000 - $54,000 / year
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Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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.
AEROSPACE PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN II
As an Aerospace Technician based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will have the opportunity to support the development and assembly of cutting-edge spaceflight hardware, including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. In this role, you will perform assembly of aerospace mechanisms and assist with the operation, inspection, and maintenance of spaceflight hardware and assembly 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!
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Perform precision assembly of aerospace mechanisms using established procedures.
- Operate spaceflight hardware and assembly fixtures using data acquisition systems and established procedures.
- Attach and remove components on spaceflight hardware.
- Inspect mechanical and electrical components.
- Solder space flight harnesses per the J-STD.
- Generate ideas for potential process improvements.
- Assist with non-conformance investigations.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN AEROSPACE PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN II:
- High school diploma or GED
- 2+ years of experience in hands-on aerospace assembly
- Understanding basic electronic circuitry
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Associates degree
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace assembly
- Proficient with electronic circuitry
- J-STD001-FS certification
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- 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 to 25 lbs.
- Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery
- Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.
#RL1
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to 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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Benefits
- health insurance
- vision insurance
- 401(k)
- stock options
- parental leave
- life insurance
- disability insurance
- flexible schedule
- sick leave
About this role
Rocket Lab's Silver Spring facility is looking for an Aerospace Production Technician II to work hands-on with spacecraft components and mechanisms destined for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. You'd spend your days performing precision assembly of electro-mechanical hardware, operating test fixtures with data acquisition systems, soldering flight harnesses to J-STD standards, and inspecting both mechanical and electrical components. The role also involves identifying process improvements and supporting investigations when issues arise.
You'll need at least two years of hands-on aerospace assembly experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a solid grasp of basic electronics. The work is physically demanding—you'll be on your feet for full shifts, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, and handling tools and materials up to 25 pounds. The position requires flexibility for extended hours and weekend work as mission schedules demand. If you have an associate's degree, five-plus years in aerospace assembly, J-STD001 certification, or deeper electronics knowledge, those credentials would strengthen your candidacy.
The $43,000–$54,000 base salary comes with equity grants, comprehensive health coverage, three weeks of vacation, and perks like catered meals twice weekly. This is a full-time, in-office role where you'd be part of a team tackling real spaceflight hardware for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
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Pay for this role
$43,000 to $54,000 per year
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