Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal

Senior AI&T Engineering II/Principal (Mechanical) - Secret Clearance 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, including 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) 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. We are working to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space—including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. 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 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 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 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 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 here ITAR Regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr