Senior AI&T Engineer ; Systems

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 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.

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.

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. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

We are looking for a Senior AI&T Engineer I (Systems) based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. This role is well suited for a degreed, early-career engineer who is motivated to learn and grow within a fast-paced aerospace integration and test environment. You will support assembly, integration, and verification activities for complex space hardware while working closely with senior engineers and technical leads.

This position allows for coaching and guidance on most tasks, with the expectation that you demonstrate strong initiative, curiosity, and ownership as you build technical depth and execution confidence. You will report to an AI&T Engineering Lead.

• 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,…