About the Job
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, separati...
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 Develop...
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 leaders...
Key Responsibilities
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
Required Skills & Abilities
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
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
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
#RL1
Qualifications
Experience:
8 years experience
Work Authorization
Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO
