Senior Optical Engineer II​/Principal

Space Systems

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that enable them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to in‑space manufacturing, national security, and defensive initiatives. We design 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.

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division tackles mission‑critical space‑domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our goal is to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments.

(This position can be hired as a Senior Optical Engineer II or a Principal Optical Engineer.)

• Guide and author data collection and analysis software.
• Collaborate closely with firmware, electronics interface, and optical teams.
• Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop lab and field resolutions.
• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and cross‑disciplinary team members.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project development matters.
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues.
• Manage time and resources to meet deadlines.
• Develop detection and calibration algorithms throughout product lifecycle.
• Simulate all parts of electro‑optical payloads: radiometric, detector, optical prescriptions.
• Be a self‑starter who takes initiative, identifies problems, and presents solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• 8+ years of experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and data analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging‑system characterization.
• Hands‑on expertise with electro‑optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, Zemax (or similar), and FRED.

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• 12+ years of experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and data analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging‑system characterization.
• Hands‑on expertise with electro‑optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, Zemax (or similar), and FRED.

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field;
  PhD preferred.
• Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space‑based sensor systems.
• Experience with stray light design and analysis for visible and infrared 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: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to work locations.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally for test campaigns, supplier oversight, and…