EO/IR Optical AIT Technician – Space Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking an Assembly, Integration and Test Technician to support advanced EO/IR optical payloads and space systems integration. You will lead optical alignment, bench setup, metrology, and environmental test readiness while collaborating with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams.

The role requires a high school diploma and 5+ years of experience, U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a security clearance, and a hands-on background in optical systems,

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 5+ years of experience.
• Sufficient hands-on experience in optical system integration and testing.
• 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 or space-based sensor systems would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Optical system integration

Optical alignment

Metrology

Interferometry

Imaging-system characterization

Data analysis & troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Optical benches

Environmental test equipment

Interferometry instruments

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking an Assembly, Integration and Test Technician to support advanced EO/IR optical payloads and space systems integration. You will lead optical alignment, bench setup, metrology, and environmental test readiness while collaborating with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams.

The role requires a high school diploma and 5+ years of experience, U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a security clearance, and a hands-on background in optical systems,