Integration And Test Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

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 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 also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds a full line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for 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. The Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

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. We are looking for a Senior Integration & Test Engineer II or Principal 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)

• 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
• Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations
• 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

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

• 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

• 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, and prior experience supporting hardware qualification or acceptance testing

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.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible.

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. 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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview.

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.