Principal Optical Engineer

About this 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 to 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.

PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER

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.

As a Principal Optical Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ. You will play a key role in the modelling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions. This role is highly technical, with candidates simulating electro-optical phenomenology, then demonstrating that technology in the lab on first-of-its-kind prototypes. Algorithm development, radiometric analysis, strong understanding of optical systems, and the ability to use standard modeling tools is required. You will work cross-functionally with Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, and Bid & Proposal teams to develop and demonstrate optical and system level technologies. 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:

• Guide/author data collection and analysis software

• Collaborate closely with firmware development, electronics interface control, and optical teams

• Use excellent investigative and trouble-shooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab and in the field

• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines

• Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of projects

• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules

• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues

• Manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines

• Develop detection and calibration algorithms for optical systems throughout their product lifecycle

• Simulate all parts of the electro-optical payloads: radiometric, detector, optical prescriptions

• Be a self-starter who takes initiatives, identifies problems and presents solutions

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER:

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• 12+ years of experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and data analysis

• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization

• Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads

• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

• Working knowledge of MATLAB, python, Zemax (or similar software), FRED

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. PhD preferred.

• Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor systems

• Experience with stray light design and analysis for visible and infrared systems

• Experience writing alignment procedures, test scripts, and verification plans

• Experience with automated test equipment or optical STE

• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve lif

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