×
Register Here to Apply for Jobs or Post Jobs. X

Senior Integration & Test Engineer II​/Principal

Job in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, 85718, USA
Listing for: Rocket Lab USA
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-07-08
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Mechanical Engineer, Test Engineer
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 95000 - 125000 USD Yearly USD 95000.00 125000.00 YEAR
Job Description & How to Apply Below

Job Title: Senior Integration & Test Engineer II/Principal

Location: Tucson, AZ

Job Summary

Lead mechanical integration and test activities for high‑reliability payload assemblies and flight hardware, collaborating with optics, electrical, systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations while supporting continuous improvement in mechanical processes and test methods.

* Please note:

this position may be hired at the Senior Engineer II or Principal level.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead mechanical integration and verification of high‑reliability payload assemblies, subassemblies, and flight hardware.
  • Execute mechanical build tasks, precision alignments, torque/tolerance verifications, 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.
Required Qualifications (Senior Engineer II)
  • U.S. citizenship with the 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.
Required Qualifications (Principal Engineer)
  • 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.
Nice to Have
  • Experience integrating EO/IR payloads or opto‑mechanical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with contamination control, materials compatibility, adhesives, and fastener systems.
  • Experience developing mechanical integration procedures or test plans.
  • Prior experience supporting hardware qualification or acceptance testing.
Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Eligibility & Application Notes

For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only: U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or lawful admission as a refugee or granted asylum is required. Eligibility to obtain U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce authorizations under ITAR regulations is also required. Learn more about ITAR.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: background checks will be undertaken and eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR is required. Candidates must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or hold eligible dual citizenship. For more information on ITAR regulations, consult the relevant sources.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at  This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Requirements
10+ Years work experience
To View & Apply for jobs on this site that accept applications from your location or country, tap the button below to make a Search.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
 
 
 
Search for further Jobs Here:
(Try combinations for better Results! Or enter less keywords for broader Results)
Location
Increase/decrease your Search Radius (miles)
0
200
Filters
Education Level
Experience Level (years)
Posted in last:
Salary