Senior AI&T Engineer ; Systems

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 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, 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.

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments.

• Support assembly, integration, alignment, and verification activities for complex spaceflight hardware, including optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems
• Execute hands‑on AI&T tasks such as hardware integration, test setup, alignment support, data collection, and post‑test inspections under guidance from senior engineers and leads
• Assist with development and execution of test procedures, work instructions, and integration plans while learning baseline AI&T processes and standards
• Support environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock) through test setup, monitoring, and data collection
• Troubleshoot integration and test issues with coaching, demonstrating curiosity and initiative to understand root cause and corrective actions
• Work closely with senior AI&T engineers, design engineering, quality, and operations teams; we have each other’s back
• Actively seek feedback, training, and learning opportunities to build technical depth and execution confidence; we hustle

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Aerospace, Physics, or related discipline)
• 5+ years of experience in hardware integration, test, laboratory, or manufacturing environments
• Willingness to learn structured AI&T processes, tooling, and documentation
• Ability to follow procedures, document work clearly, and communicate effectively with senior staff
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Exposure to optical systems, EO/IR payloads, or precision assemblies
• Familiarity with lab equipment, test setups, or cleanroom environments
• Experience supporting environmental testing or hardware verification activities
• Strong work ethic, self‑motivation, and ownership mindset

• 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 support occasional off‑shift, weekend, or extended hours during critical build milestones
• Travel as required for supplier visits, integration events, or customer engagements

We’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…