Senior AI&T Engineer II​/Principal - Optical. Tucson Move Collective

Job Overview

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.

As a Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal – Optical based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. You will play a key role in the integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions. This role is hands‑on and highly technical, involving optical bench setup, metrology, environmental test readiness, and performance validation. You will work cross‑functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure precise optical performance through every integration and test phase.

Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

• 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 (TVAC, vibe, shock), monitor optical performance, and ensure compliance with mission requirements
• Drive resolution of integration issues, test anomalies, and optical performance deviations
• Work cross‑functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure seamless optical‑mechanical‑electrical integration
• Support customer reviews, data packages, and technical briefings
• Identify opportunities to improve alignment methods, test tooling, and data‑analysis workflows

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 8+ years experience in optical system integration, test, 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

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 12+ years experience in optical system integration, test, 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

• 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
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

• 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 hands‑on alignment and test activities, including off‑shift operations during critical phases
• Some travel to test facilities and partner…