R

Rocket Lab Corporation

Builds rockets, satellites and space components

Principal Integration & Test Engineer

Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeTucson, AZ, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • At least 12 years of experience integrating and testing complex systems.
  • U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Experience in optical system integration, testing, 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.

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.
  • Develop and refine test procedures, optical characterization methods, and performance-validation processes.
  • Support environmental tests, including TVAC, vibration, and shock; monitor optical performance and ensure compliance with mission requirements.
  • Resolve integration issues, test anomalies, and optical performance deviations.
  • Work cross-functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure optical-mechanical-electrical integration.
  • Support customer reviews, data packages, and technical briefings.
  • Identify opportunities to improve alignment methods, test tooling, and data-analysis workflows.

Desired Qualifications

  • 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.
  • An active U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance.

About the Company

Rocket Lab Corporation

Builds rockets, satellites and space components

Rocket Lab builds and launches rockets, designs satellites and sells spacecraft components for commercial operators, governments and defense customers. Its Electron rocket carries small satellites on dedicated missions, while its Space Systems business supplies complete spacecraft and the hardware and software needed to operate them. Customers pay for launch services, satellite development, component sales and mission support, giving the group business beyond sending its own rockets into space. The company is developing Neutron, a larger reusable rocket intended for constellation deployment and other heavier missions. Rocket Lab's operating business began in 2006 and the group is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

Company size
1,001-5,000
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Long Beach, CA
Founded
2006

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Rocket Lab Corporation

See more jobs