Optical Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more— all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space, our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Optical Engineer II reports to the optical lead and is responsible for supporting development and maintenance of star tracker products.

• Undertake design, analysis and test to develop new star tracker products and maintain existing products
• Develop, integrate and commission test setups for star tracker production, and research & development
• Complete data collection and analysis to quantify part level and unit level performance
• Support the quality team as needed for root cause analysis and disposition of non‑conformances
• Support the production team as needed to complete assembly, integration and test of star tracker products
• Support the business development team in responding to customer inquiries

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
• 2+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems
• Master’s degree in physics or aerospace engineering
• Experience with optical design and Zemax Optic Studio
• Familiarity with optomechanical design and sourcing/selection of optomechanical components
• Familiarity with spacecraft system design and the space environment
• Familiarity with lens manufacture and assembly
• Familiarity with stray light analysis and stray light mitigation techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills
• Experience with data analysis, visualization and interpretation using Python or Matlab
• Experience with source control technologies like GIT or SVN
• Experience with embedded microcontroller development in C

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act. Final agreed…