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Rocket Lab · 2 weeks ago

Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Optical) - Secret Clearance

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. They are seeking a Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Optical) to lead the integration and verification of advanced optical payloads for national defense missions.

AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.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

Optical EngineeringOptical System IntegrationMetrologyEnvironmental TestingData AnalysisTroubleshootingProblem-SolvingInterferometryImaging-System CharacterizationCleanroom PracticesContamination Control