Senior Optical Systems Engineer – EO/IR & Defense

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 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.