Senior AI&T Engineer II - Secret Clearance

About The Role

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.

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. 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:

• Independently execute assembly, integration, alignment, and verification activities for spaceflight hardware and subsystems
• Lead day-to-day integration and test tasks with minimal oversight while maintaining regular technical touchpoints with senior engineers and leads
• Develop, execute, and refine AI&T procedures, test plans, and verification documentation in accordance with program requirements
• Support and execute environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock), including test readiness, monitoring, and post-test assessments
• Troubleshoot integration and test anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
• Coordinate across Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Systems, and Quality teams to ensure seamless hardware flow from build through verification
• Contribute to continuous improvement of AI&T processes, tooling, and workflows
• Mentor P1-level engineers and technicians through example, documentation quality, and execution discipline

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance
• Bachelor’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 systems
• Proficiency with baseline AI&T processes, documentation standards, and test execution
• Experience working with precision assemblies, test setups, and verification workflows
• Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and problem-solving skills

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
• Demonstrated 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 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

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 [email protected] 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.