Senior Integration & Test Engineer I Verified today
About This Role
Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. As a Senior Integration & Test Engineer I in Tucson, AZ, you will play a key role in integration, alignment, calibration, and verification of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions. This role is hands-on and highly technical.
What You'll Do
- Lead integration, alignment, calibration, and verification activities for advanced EO/IR optical payloads used in spaceborne sensor systems
- Execute hands-on optical integration tasks including optical bench setup, alignment, metrology, and environmental test readiness
- Develop and refine test procedures, optical characterization methods, and performance-validation processes
- Support environmental tests (TVAC, vibe, shock), monitor optical performance, and ensure compliance with mission requirements
- Drive resolution of integration issues, test anomalies, and optical performance deviations
- Work cross-functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure seamless optical-mechanical-electrical integration
- Support customer reviews, data packages, and technical briefings
- Identify opportunities to improve alignment methods, test tooling, and data-analysis workflows
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in integration and test of complex systems
- U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Experience in optical system integration, test, or verification
- Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization
- Familiarity with optical benches, cleanroom practices, contamination control, and environmental testing
- Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor 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
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.