Senior Integration and Test Engineer I — Optical Systems

Job overview

The Senior Integration and Test Engineer I — Optical Systems role is onsite in Tucson, AZ; compensation is not specified. The position supports Rocket Lab Optical Systems, which develops electro-optical and infrared solutions for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments, including national defense missions. The engineer leads integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of advanced EO/IR payloads. Through hands-on optical testing, performance validation, anomaly resolution, and collaboration across engineering teams, the role helps ensure payloads meet mission requirements.

What you'll do

• Lead integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of EO/IR optical payloads
• set up optical benches and perform alignment and metrology
• develop and refine test procedures and optical characterization methods
• support TVAC, vibration, and shock testing
• monitor optical performance and resolve integration issues, anomalies, and deviations
• collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams
• support customer reviews, data packages, and technical briefings
• identify improvements to alignment methods, test tooling, and data-analysis workflows.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior integration and test engineer i

optical systems

eo/ir payloads

optical alignment

metrology

interferometry

environmental testing

space systems

national defense missions

tucson az

rocket lab

u.s. citizenship required

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Why this role

Supports mission-critical optical payloads for national defense space missions. U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required; active TS/SCI clearance is listed as a preferred qualification.

About the employer

Rocket Lab Corporation is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.