Lead EO/IR Payload Integration & Test Engineer

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Integration & Test Engineer to lead integration, alignment, calibration and verification of EO/IR payloads for national defense space missions.

This hands-on role requires deep experience with optical benches, metrology, interferometry, and environmental testing, plus the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and deliver robust test plans.

Qualifications

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

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—we build beautiful things
• 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—we hustle and we do the impossible
• 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 integration

Test verification

Interferometry

Metrology

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Optical benches

TVAC equipment

Interferometers

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Integration & Test Engineer to lead integration, alignment, calibration and verification of EO/IR payloads for national defense space missions.

This hands-on role requires deep experience with optical benches, metrology, interferometry, and environmental testing, plus the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and deliver robust test plans.