Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal - Mechanical

Rocket Lab Corporation • Tucson, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) 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, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
We are looking for a Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal - Mechanical based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. You will lead mechanical integration and test activities for high-reliability payload assemblies and flight hardware. This includes hands-on build tasks, precision alignment, fit checks, environmental test preparation, and mechanical verification across multiple test stages. You will collaborate with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations while supporting continuous improvement in mechanical processes and test methods.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Engineer II or Principal level)

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems
• Strong experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for interface interpretation and integration planning
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection
• Experience with environmental test preparation and post-test mechanical inspection
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems
• Strong experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for interface interpretation and integration planning
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection
• Experience with environmental test preparation and post-test mechanical inspection

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating EO/IR payloads or opto-mechanical assemblies
• Familiarity with contamination control, materials compatibility, adhesives, and fastener systems
• Experience developing mechanical integration procedures or test plans
• Prior experience supporting hardware qualification or acceptance testing

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical integration and verification of high-reliability payload assemblies, subassemblies, and flight hardware
• Execute mechanical build tasks, precision alignments, torque/tolerance verification, and hardware fit checks
• Coordinate environmental testing (vibration, shock, TVAC) and assess mechanical performance throughout test campaigns
• Identify mechanical integration risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive rapid issue resolution
• Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations
• Refine mechanical procedures, integration tooling, and test setups to increase efficiency and hardware consistency
• Support readiness reviews, data packages, configuration audits, and delivery milestones
• Drive continuous improvements in build processes, mechanical verification approaches, and interface control

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees