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Hourly Rocket Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and ... Hourly Pay Range (CA Only) $20-$25 USD WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential of ...

Material Handler II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and ... Hourly Pay Range (CA Only) $20--$25 USD WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential ...

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How much do hourly rocket lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly rocket lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hourly Rocket Lab vs Hourly Drone Operator?

AspectHourly Rocket LabHourly Drone Operator
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, safety trainingFAA drone license, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, launch sites, industrial settingsOutdoor, construction sites, event venues
Employer & IndustryAerospace, defense, researchMedia, real estate, agriculture
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Hourly Rocket Lab professionals focus on rocket launches and aerospace projects, requiring specialized technical skills and certifications. In contrast, Hourly Drone Operators work mainly outdoors, operating drones for various industries like media or agriculture. Both roles involve technical training and safety protocols, but they serve different industries and environments.

More about Hourly Rocket Lab jobs

What cities are hiring for Hourly Rocket Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Hourly Rocket Lab job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Rocket Lab jobs?

The most popular types of Rocket Lab jobs are:

What states have the most Hourly Rocket Lab jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hourly Rocket Lab jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hourly Rocket Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Test Technician III - A Shift

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

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!

TEST TECHNICIAN III - A SHIFT 

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Test Technician III will be working on the electrical and electromechanical assemblies of the Electron Launch Vehicle avionics, Rutherford Rocket Engine, and Photon Satellite Components. Testing will include a wide range of satellite and rocket components, from radios to space batteries, actuators to network switches, and cameras to transducers.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

  • Day to day tasks will involve functional testing, bench testing, vibration, and environmental testing.
  • Technical capability with testing apparatus is critical to ensure all components are tested to the appropriate levels to be accepted for spaceflight.
  • Ensure all components meet performance and quality requirements.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A TEST TECHNICIAN III: 

  • 5+ years of experience in electronic component assembly, preferably for aerospace applications
  • Experience with electrical assembly tools, bench testing, and measuring instruments.
  • Experience with vibration tables, thermal environment chambers, and vacuum chambers
  • HS Diploma or GED.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Experience with in-space electrical assemblies
  • Experience with LabVIEW
  • Knowledgeable in manufacturing process and continued product development
  • Experience with Linux
  • Experience with Anechoic Chamber
  • Experience with TVAC chambers
  • Excellent time management skills, and the ability to work overtime and long hours if needed.
  • Eye for detail, as well as a methodical, tidy, and careful work ethic
  • Natural inclination towards software and IT systems
  • Industry or trade certified

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Willing to work A Shift (Monday – Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm)
  • 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

#RL1

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.   

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 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.


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