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: SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets, we're building the future of space. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO 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—we build beautiful things 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—we hustle and we do the impossible 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 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR ENGINEER II: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance 8+ years 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 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance 12+ years 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 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 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 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.