Senior Optical Engineer II/Principal

Rocket Lab Corporation • Tucson, AZ

7d • 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. As a Senior Optical Engineer II/Principal based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. You will play a key role in the modelling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions. This role is highly technical, with candidates simulating electro-optical phenomenology, then demonstrating that technology in the lab on first-of-its-kind prototypes. Algorithm development, radiometric analysis, strong understanding of optical systems, and the ability to use standard modeling tools is required. You will work cross-functionally with Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, and Bid & Proposal teams to develop and demonstrate optical and system level technologies. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Optical Engineer II or Principal Optical Engineer level.)

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 8+ years of experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and data analysis (for Senior Optical Engineer II)
• 12+ years of experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and data analysis (for Principal Optical Engineer)
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. PhD preferred.
• Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor systems
• Experience with stray light design and analysis for visible and infrared systems
• Experience writing alignment procedures, test scripts, and verification plans
• Experience with automated test equipment or optical STE
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

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 in order 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

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior