Rocket Lab
Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) - Secret Clearance
Rocket Lab, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) - Secret Clearance
Tucson, AZ
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.
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 Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) - Secret Clearance
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— we hustle
Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations— we have each other's back
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
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
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 systemsStrong 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
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
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 Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) - Secret Clearance
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— we hustle
Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations— we have each other's back
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
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
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 systemsStrong 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
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr