Rocket Lab · 22 hours ago
Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) - 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. They are seeking a Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) to lead mechanical integration and test activities for high-reliability payload assemblies, collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance and support continuous improvement.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead mechanical integration and verification of high-reliability payload assemblies, subassemblies, and flight hardware
Execute mechanical build tasks, precision alignments, torque/tolerance verification, and hardware fit checks
Coordinate environmental testing (vibration, shock, TVAC) and assess mechanical performance throughout test campaigns
Identify mechanical integration risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive rapid issue resolution—we hustle
Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations—we have each other's back
Refine mechanical procedures, integration tooling, and test setups to increase efficiency and hardware consistency
Support readiness reviews, data packages, configuration audits, and delivery milestones
Drive continuous improvements in build processes, mechanical verification approaches, and interface control
Qualification
Required
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred
8+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems
Strong experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for interface interpretation and integration planning
Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection
Experience with environmental test preparation and post-test mechanical inspection
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred
12+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems
Strong experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for interface interpretation and integration planning
Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection
Experience with environmental test preparation and post-test mechanical inspection
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 regularly perform hands-on hardware integration in lab/cleanroom environments
Ability to support extended or off-shift work during key test milestones
Preferred
Experience integrating EO/IR payloads or opto-mechanical assemblies
Familiarity with contamination control, materials compatibility, adhesives, and fastener systems
Experience developing mechanical integration procedures or test plans
Prior experience supporting hardware qualification or acceptance testing
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
Sherwood News
2026-01-07
2026-01-07
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