PRINCIPAL INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a Principal Integration & Test Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will play a key role in integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions. This role is hands-on and highly technical, involving optical bench setup, metrology, environmental test readiness, and performance validation.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- 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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS PRINCIPAL INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER:- Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 12+ years of experience integration and test of complex systems
- U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- 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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- 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
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
WHAT TO EXPECTWe'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.
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