Senior AI&T Engineering II with Security Clearance

SENIOR AI&T ENGINEER II - SECRET CLEARANCE 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 Engineer II - Secret Clearance based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. In this role, you will independently execute assembly, integration, and test activities for spaceflight hardware while maintaining regular technical touchpoints with senior engineers and leads. You are expected to be proficient with baseline AI&T processes, tooling, and documentation, and to bring growing technical breadth across mechanical, optical, and electrical interfaces. This role requires a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and the ability to proactively identify and resolve integration or test issues while supporting continuous improvement across AI&T workflows. You will report to an AI&T Engineering Lead. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Independently execute assembly, integration, alignment, and verification activities for spaceflight hardware and subsystemsLead day-to-day integration and test tasks with minimal oversight while maintaining regular technical touchpoints with senior engineers and leadsDevelop, execute, and refine AI&T procedures, test plans, and verification documentation in accordance with program requirementsSupport and execute environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock), including test readiness, monitoring, and post-test assessmentsTroubleshoot integration and test anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions; we hustle and do the impossibleCoordinate across Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Systems, and Quality teams to ensure seamless hardware flow from build through verificationContribute to continuous improvement of AI&T processes, tooling, and workflows; we are ever evolvingMentor P1-level engineers and technicians through example, documentation quality, and execution discipline YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Active U.S. Government Secret security clearanceBachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Aerospace, Physics, or related discipline)8+ years of hands-on experience in assembly, integration, and test of complex hardware systemsProficiency with baseline AI&T processes, documentation standards, and test executionExperience working with precision assemblies, test setups, and verification workflowsStrong troubleshooting, data analysis, and problem-solving skills THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Exposure to optical systems, EO/IR payloads, or precision assembliesFamiliarity with lab equipment, test setups, or cleanroom environmentsExperience supporting environmental testing or hardware verification activitiesDemonstrated self-direction, ownership, and exceptional work ethic ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noiseAbility to support occasional off-shift, weekend, or extended hours during critical build milestonesTravel as required for supplier visits, integration events, or customer engagements