Senior AI&T Engineer I (Systems)

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 rockethas 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 were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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 I (SYSTEMS)

Rocket Labs 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 aSenior AI&T Engineer I (Systems) based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson AZ. This role is well suited for a degreed early-career engineer who is motivated to learn and grow within a fast-paced aerospace integration and test environment. You will support assembly integration and verification activities for complex space hardware while working closely with senior engineers and technical leads. This position allows for coaching and guidance on most tasks with the expectation that you demonstrate strong initiative curiosity and ownership as you build technical depth and execution confidence. You will report to an AI&T Engineering Lead.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Support assembly integration alignment and verification activities for complex spaceflight hardware including optical mechanical and electrical subsystems
• Execute hands-on AI&T tasks such as hardware integration test setup alignment support data collection and post-test inspections under guidance from senior engineers and leads
• Assist with development and execution of test procedures work instructions and integration plans while learning baseline AI&T processes and standards
• Support environmental test campaigns (TVAC vibration shock) through test setup monitoring and data collection
• Troubleshoot integration and test issues with coaching demonstrating curiosity and initiative to understand root cause and corrective actions
• Work closely with senior AI&T engineers design engineering quality and operations teams; we have each others back
• Actively seek feedback training and learning opportunities to build technical depth and execution confidence; we hustle

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical Optical Electrical Aerospace Physics or related discipline)
• 5 years of experience in hardware integration test laboratory or manufacturing environments
• Willingness to learn structured AI&T processes tooling and documentation
• Ability to follow procedures document work clearly and communicate effectively with senior staff
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Exposure to optical systems EO/IR payloads or precision assemblies
• Familiarity with lab equipment test setups or cleanroom environments
• Experience supporting environmental testing or hardware verification activities
• Strong work ethic self-motivation and ownership mindset

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 occasional off-shift weekend or extended hours during critical build milestones
• Travel as required for supplier visits integration events or customer engagements

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.

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 hereITAR Regulations.