Senior EO/IR Optical Integration & Test Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Senior Integration & Test Engineer II to support high‑end EO/IR payloads for national defense space missions. This hands‑on role focuses on integration, alignment, calibration, and verification on optical benches in a fast‑paced environment.

You’ll collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams, develop test procedures, and drive issue resolution to meet stringent mission requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience 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
• 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 alignment

Metrology

Interferometry

Imaging-system characterization

Education

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

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Senior Integration & Test Engineer II to support high‑end EO/IR payloads for national defense space missions. This hands‑on role focuses on integration, alignment, calibration, and verification on optical benches in a fast‑paced environment.

You’ll collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams, develop test procedures, and drive issue resolution to meet stringent mission requirements.