Senior AI&T Engineer ; Systems Security Clearance

Position: Senior AI&T Engineer I (Systems) with Security Clearance
SENIOR AI&T ENGINEER I (SYSTEMS) 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 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 YOU’LL 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 other’s back
Actively seek feedback, training, and learning opportunities to build technical depth and execution confidence; we hustle YOU’LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s 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