Senior HITL Technician I

About this 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.

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

SENIOR HITL TECHNICIAN I

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior HITL Technician I is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the HITL Manager, Shared Services and Space Systems organization with deliverables requested by internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Fabricate, assemble, and test high-quality, high-reliability harnessing

• Build, integrate, and modify HITL test racks, including equipment installation, cable routing, harness integration, and basic checkout

• Work hands-on with test and flight hardware

• Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to build, set up, maintain, and improve HITL test and simulation systems for Rocket Lab spacecraft systems or similar complex systems

• Contribute to equipment rack layout and arrangement, including equipment placement and buildability feedback

• Build, modify, and iterate prototype rack designs in collaboration with engineering, test, and spacecraft teams

• Use, maintain, and redline technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, and test/anomaly reports

• Identify and communicate rack and harnessing buildability, maintainability, serviceability, and integration risks during design, build, and integration activities

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR HITL TECHNICIAN I:

• 8+ years of relevant industry experience in harness fabrication, rack assembly, test systems, or a similar technical environment

• Hands-on experience with harness manufacturing, rack assembly, and rack integration

• Proven ability to contribute to rack layout, equipment arrangement, cable routing, harness integration, and build activities

• Ability to precisely follow quality inspection and manufacturing work instructions

• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and providing feedback on system diagrams, schematics, CAD drawings, ICDs, procedures, and manufacturing documentation

• Experience performing harness and rack electrical checks, including continuity, pinout, and visual inspection

• Sound understanding of standard industry ESD practices

• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and technician teams while raising buildability, integration, or test concerns early

• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Trade qualification in a relevant industry

• Experience creating technical documentation, including system diagrams, schematics, CAD drawings, ICDs, procedures, and test/anomaly reports

• Familiarity with common electrical test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar tools

• Experience with network devices, Ethernet cabling, fiber debugging, servers, routers, switches, or PLCs

• Basic Python and Linux scripting skills

• Precision soldering experience

• Exposure to spacecraft systems, HITL/PIL environments, or similarly complex autonomous systems

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and standard web-based applications

• Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, self-motivation, and ability to work under deadline pressure

• TS/SCI Clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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

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

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