Principal Optical Engineer

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the modeling, simulation, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads for national defense missions. You will develop algorithms, perform radiometric analyses, and work with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-performance space payloads.

The role requires 12+ years in optical systems, strong data analysis, and hands-on expertise in alignment, metrology, and imaging systems. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• US 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 software), FRED.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

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

Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

PhD in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Zemax

FRED

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built 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. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Principal Optical Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will play a key role in the modelling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads in support of national defense space missions. You will simulate electro-optical phenomenology prototypes, and you will be responsible for algorithm development, radiometric analysis, and a strong understanding of optical systems.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER:

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or 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 software), FRED

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.