Rocket Lab · 11 hours ago
Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal (Optical) - Secret Clearance
Tucson, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal (Optical) - Secret Clearance will lead integration, alignment, calibration, and verification activities for advanced EO/IR optical payloads supporting national defense missions.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead integration, alignment, calibration, and verification activities for advanced EO/IR optical payloads used in spaceborne sensor systems
Execute hands-on optical integration tasks including optical bench setup, alignment, metrology, and environmental test readiness—we build beautiful things
Develop and refine test procedures, optical characterization methods, and performance-validation processes
Support environmental tests (TVAC, vibe, shock), monitor optical performance, and ensure compliance with mission requirements
Drive resolution of integration issues, test anomalies, and optical performance deviations—we hustle and we do the impossible
Work cross-functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure seamless optical-mechanical-electrical integration
Support customer reviews, data packages, and technical briefings
Identify opportunities to improve alignment methods, test tooling, and data-analysis workflows
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance
8+ years experience in optical system integration, test, or verification
Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization
Familiarity with optical benches, cleanroom practices, contamination control, and environmental testing
Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance
12+ years experience in optical system integration, test, or verification
Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization
Familiarity with optical benches, cleanroom practices, contamination control, and environmental testing
Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
Ability to support hands-on alignment and test activities, including off-shift operations during critical phases
Some travel to test facilities and partner integration sites
Preferred
Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor systems
Experience writing alignment procedures, test scripts, and verification plans
Experience with automated test equipment or optical STE
Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
2026-01-13
2026-01-13
2026-01-11
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