Senior Optical Payload Manufacturing Engineer – Space Systems

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for assembly, integration and test of advanced EO/IR space payloads. You will lead manufacturing activities and collaborate across mechanical, electrical, systems, and AIT teams to ensure successful integration and testing of spacecraft hardware.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in complex systems integration and testing, strong metrology and optical skills, and a TS/SCI-level readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience integrating, testing, and manufacturing of complex systems.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.
• 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.
• Understanding of electromechanical assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing for EO/IR optical payloads used in spaceborne sensors.
• Execute hands-on optical integration tasks including bench setup, alignment, metrology, and environmental readiness.
• Develop and refine test procedures, optical characterization methods, and performance-validation processes.
• Support environmental tests (TVAC, vibe, shock) and monitor optical performance.
• Drive resolution of integration issues, test anomalies, and optical performance deviations.
• Work cross-functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams for seamless integration.
• Support customer reviews, data packages, and technical briefings.
• Identify opportunities to improve alignment methods, test tooling, and data-analysis workflows.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related field

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for assembly, integration and test of advanced EO/IR space payloads. You will lead manufacturing activities and collaborate across mechanical, electrical, systems, and AIT teams to ensure successful integration and testing of spacecraft hardware.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in complex systems integration and testing, strong metrology and optical skills, and a TS/SCI-level readiness.