Senior Integration & Test Engineer II/Principal

Rocket Lab Corporation • Tucson, AZ

6d • 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 Integration & Test Engineer II/Principal 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 AI&T 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 (for Senior Engineer II)
• 12+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems (for Principal Engineer)
• 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 (for Principal Engineer)

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