Principal Systems Test Engineer at Rocketlab

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 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. PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS TEST ENGINEER 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 Principal Systems Test Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. In this role, you will design, integrate, validate, and sustain optical test equipment used to characterize, calibrate, and verify advanced optical payloads. You will build and maintain optical test stations, alignment tools, and calibration workflows while supporting data capture, troubleshooting, and test execution. You will work closely with Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, and AIT teams to ensure STE performance meets mission and system-level requirement. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: • Design, develop, integrate, and validate optical Special Test Equipment (STE) used for payload characterization, calibration, and alignment • Build and maintain optical test stations, fixtures, alignment tools, and automation setups tools that help us build beautiful things by testing beautiful things • Execute hands-on optical integration tasks: bench setup, alignment, calibration, data capture, and troubleshooting • Write and maintain optical test procedures, calibration scripts, and acceptance criteria • Support anomaly resolution, corrective actions, and performance improvements • Improve STE throughput, accuracy, and maintainability, ensuring test processes stay ever evolving • Collaborate with Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, and AIT teams to ensure STE meets system-level requirements • Support environmental testing and correlation of optical performance before/after test campaigns YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field • 12+ years’ experience building or supporting optical or electro-optical test setups • Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology tools, and lab-level integration • Ability to develop clear technical documentation and test procedures • Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and lab execution skills • U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar test automation tools • Familiarity with environmental test facilities and procedures • Knowledge of cleanroom practices and contamination control 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 support hands-on optical alignment and test activities, including occasional off shift work • Some travel to support test facilities and partner sites WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Rocket Lab provides 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [Upgrade to PRO to see contact] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.