Senior AI&T Engineer II/Principal - Mechanical

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets, we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space, our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR AI&T ENGINEER II/PRINCIPAL - MECHANICAL 

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)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR ENGINEER II:

• 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER:

• 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
• Ability to regularly perform hands-on hardware integration in lab/cleanroom environments
• Ability to support extended or off-shift work during key test milestones