Senior AI&T Engineer II​/Principal - Mechanical

Tucson, AZ

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.

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. We have enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

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. We are looking for a Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal - Mechanical based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. You will lead mechanical integration and test activities for high‑reliability payload assemblies and flight hardware, including hands‑on build tasks, precision alignment, fit checks, environmental test preparation, and mechanical verification across multiple test stages.

You will collaborate with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations while supporting continuous improvement in mechanical processes and test methods.

• Lead mechanical integration and verification of high‑reliability payload assemblies, subassemblies, and flight hardware
• Execute mechanical build tasks, precision alignments, torque/tolerance verification, and hardware fit checks
• Coordinate environmental testing (vibration, shock, TVAC) and assess mechanical performance throughout test campaigns
• Identify mechanical integration risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive rapid issue resolution
• Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations
• Refine mechanical procedures, integration tooling, and test setups to increase efficiency and hardware consistency
• Support readiness reviews, data packages, configuration audits, and delivery milestones
• Drive continuous improvements in build processes, mechanical verification approaches, and interface control

• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years hands‑on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high‑reliability systems
• Strong experience with CAD tools (Solid Works) for interface interpretation and integration planning
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection
• Experience with environmental test preparation and post‑test mechanical inspection

• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years hands‑on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high‑reliability systems
• Strong experience with CAD tools (Solid Works) for interface interpretation and integration planning
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection
• Experience with environmental test preparation and post‑test mechanical inspection

• Experience integrating EO/IR payloads or opto‑mechanical assemblies
• Familiarity with contamination control, materials compatibility, adhesives, and fastener systems
• Experience…