Harness Technician II/III - A Shift

About The Role

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. 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. 

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

HARNESS MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN II / III

Located at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Harness Manufacturing Technician II / III plays a critical role in building and testing wire harnesses to support a diverse range of projects within the Space Systems division. This position is responsible for producing high-quality harnesses through tasks such as soldering, crimping, splicing, stripping, continuity testing, and hi-pot testing. In addition to technical expertise, Harness Manufacturing Technicians are expected to contribute creative ideas and provide recommendations for continuous improvement, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Follow work instructions and offer recommendations for continuous improvement. 
• Speak openly and elevate concerns / recommendations to Leading Hand.
• Think creatively and question status quo.
• Actively contribute to local 5S work center.
• Identify and highlight abnormalities.
• Complete assigned special projects and scheduled jobs. 
• Manage multiple tasks and pivot onto exciting high priority tasks.

(This position can be hired as a Harness Manufacturing Technician II or III Harness Manufacturing Technician Level)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A HARNESS MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years of experience with electrical harness assembly and testing to an Aerospace standard or equivalent high-reliability field.
• High School diploma, GED, or 3+ years of applicable electrical and/or testing experience in lieu of diploma 
• Experience assembling per manufacturing instructions and drawings.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A HARNESS MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN III

• 5+ years of experience with electrical harness assembly and testing to an Aerospace standard or equivalent high-reliability field.
• High School diploma, GED or 7+ years of applicable electrical and/or testing experience in lieu of diploma 
• Experience assembling; per manufacturing instructions and drawings.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Inspect wiring assemblies to meet customer workmanship standards.
• Use of specialist tools and equipment; Automatic Wire Strippers, Hi-Pot Cirrus Testers, different range of Multimeters, Automatic Wire Cutters, Bakeout Ovens
• Understanding of industry MES and QMS systems.
• IPC-WHMA-A-620 certified.
• Computer Skills; i.e. Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

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

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$25—$40 USD

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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.