About this job

Rocket Lab is redefining how we access space by providing frequent and reliable launch to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – we’re opening access to space to improve life on Earth. Rocket Lab is the global market leader in dedicated small satellite launch, with a strong leadership team, solid financial backing and a full launch manifest. To meet the growing demand of dedicated small satellite launch, Rocket Lab is assembling a world-class team.

Rocket Lab is its people. We are seeking passionate, highly-skilled individuals who are comfortable working in a dynamic, technically challenging environment where they will be given ownership of processes from start-to-finish.

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced, hardworking and dedicated Senior Avionics Manufacturing Technician, to join our production team in support of the Electron Launch Vehicle program.

Responsibilities

You will support the build, manufacture and testing of advanced electronic systems. This will include soldering, potting, and harnessing PCB assemblies within mechanical enclosures as well as assembly of such PCB components in a production environment. You will perform functional testing of the electrical assemblies and components throughout the manufacturing process. You will be expected to provide feedback to design and manufacturing engineers regarding the manufacturability and quality of the hardware.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ownership of completion pf the weekly plan for the assigned product, problem solving daily issues and if they cannot be solved, escalating to the leading hand or supervisor.
• Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect wiring assemblies to the NASA workmanship standard
• Active team player, fostering a positive and fun working environment.
• Shift times as set out in the employment contract. Punctual attendance at the start of shift every day is mandatory.
• Manufacture of avionics components. Including the following processes;
  • PCB Assembly
  • Small electrical assemblies with harnessing and soldering
  • Have a sound understanding of standard industry ESD policy
  • Have a good level of eyesight and be able to inspect PCB’s and wiring assemblies to the NASA workmanship standard or J-STD-001.
  •  Be able to manufacture components to the NASA workmanship standard, including soldering and wire harnessing
  • Maintain organized WIP and materials
• Author new or revised assembly work procedures and documentation as required
• Ensure all modifications, deviations and updates are accurately tracked in Rocket Lab systems
• Follow department policy for As-built accuracy, Non-conformance and quality process.
• Follow the documented process, but be prepared to highlight anything that does not seem right (in that process)
• Follow and lead local policy around cell-phone usage, productivity expectations and attendance.
• Always looking for improvements. Raise these to your Leading Hand or Supervisor
• Think creatively; question the status quo while actively and diligently executing as per the instructions
• Be an active leader of the local 5S work center, suggesting improvements and actively taking on jobs that benefit the department
• Train and mentor more junior technicians in technical skills using training packages. Support Supervisor in signing of skills in the skills matrix for the department.
• Always highlight any abnormality – whether produced by yourself or someone else
• Honesty and accountability are mandatory requirements
• Authorize release of flight hardware from area for hardware you are certified as an expert in
• Authorize new/changed work instructions for hardware you are certified as an expert in
• Carry out detailed inspection’s on product as defined by the Work Instructions and be able to identify non-conformance beyond the specified scope of inspection for the components you have significant experience in.

Profile

• Demonstrate 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• A high work rate and be able to work overtime and long hours if needed
• A very high level of attention to detail and the ability to produce work to an exceptional standard of accuracy
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as autonomously
• Able to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings

Important Information:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.