Senior EO/IR Payload Integration & Test Engineer

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Senior Integration & Test Engineer I to lead integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of EO/IR payloads for spaceborne sensor systems. The role is hands-on, highly technical, and requires cross-functional collaboration.

You will develop test procedures, perform metrology, and support environmental tests while ensuring mission requirements are met. A strong data analysis background and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience integrating and testing 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

Strong data analysis

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Education

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

Tools

Optical Test Equipment

Interferometry Setup

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Senior Integration & Test Engineer I to lead integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of EO/IR payloads for spaceborne sensor systems. The role is hands-on, highly technical, and requires cross-functional collaboration.

You will develop test procedures, perform metrology, and support environmental tests while ensuring mission requirements are met. A strong data analysis background and problem-solving skills are essential.