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 to space. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, a medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle, and our Space Systems team builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon, Mars, and for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Location:

Tucson, AZ. The role is tailored for a degreed, early‑career engineer eager to grow in 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. 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.
• Actively seek feedback, training, and learning opportunities to build technical depth and execution confidence.

• 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.

• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be physically capable of sitting, using hands and fingers, operating a computer keyboard and controls, and communicating verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to commute to building sites.
• May be exposed 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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process for a job in United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. Applicants must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a NATO member, or hold eligible dual citizenship.