Skip to content

Technicians

Propulsion Assembly Technician III - A Shift

Rocket Lab logoRocket Lab$30–$40/hrLong Beach, CAPosted 1d ago
  • US citizenship
  • ITAR / US person
  • FAA A&P certificate

How this pay compares

This posting states $62.4k–$83.2k a year. Open technician jobs in California post a median of $73.9k a year, the middle half $61.6k–$83.2k, across 24 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.

Technicians in California: pay by town and employer

About the job

## 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. ## NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! ## PROPULSION ASSEMBLY TECHNICIAN III - A SHIFT Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Propulsion Assembly Technician is responsible for building sub-assemblies for the Rutherford rocket engine.

The engine consists of a thrust chamber, pumps, valves, plumbing, TVC actuators, motor controllers, and other mechanical components.

You will support the Propulsion Production Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. ## WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO - Work on a high caliber cross functional team - Test rocket hardware - Build turbo pumps and rocket engines. - Watch the hardware you build make fire and go to space. ## YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PROPULSION ASSEMBLY TECHNICIAN III - 5+ years of mechanical assembly experience in aviation, aerospace, or similar industry - Talented with mechanical assembly tools (i.e.: pressure testing equipment and welding preparation) - Talented with electrical assembly tools (i.e.: bench testing and measuring instruments) - High school diploma or GED. ## THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE - 8+ years of mechanical assembly and/or mechanical fitting experience - Experience performing; torquing, safety and/or lock wire installation, assembly per work instructions, and environment tests (proof and leak). . - A&P, trade, or industry certified. - Experience with in-space mechanical assemblies preferred. - Knowledgeable in manufacturing processes and continued product development. ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Willing to work Monday - Thursday (5:00am - 3:30pm) - Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position - Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted - Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces. - Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls. - Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min - Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces 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) $30 - $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. ## 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.

From Rocket Lab's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

Selected agencies hiring now

These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.

Sponsored

Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.

Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.

New space manufacturing and technician jobs in California, by email

One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.

About Rocket Lab

Builds the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles and spacecraft and their components.

Pay on its listings: 71.9% of its open jobs state an hourly rate

How it pays: Paid as an employee on Rocket Lab's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).

More open jobs at Rocket Lab

More space manufacturing and technician jobs

A certified technician, machinist or welder?

One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.

Create my profile

Rocket Lab openings, sent to you weekly

Each week we send the newest postings from Rocket Lab's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.