The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
Quick apply
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
Quick apply
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
Tucson, AZ · On-site
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
Tucson, AZ · On-site
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
... the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join ... Implement mechanisms to monitor project progress and manage intervention strategies and problem ...
... the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join ... Implement mechanisms to monitor project progress and manage intervention strategies and problem ...
Tempe, AZ · On-site +1
$42.50/hr
This is a great opportunity to work on high-impact projects in a collaborative, fast-paced ... S. (Remote available for strong candidates; preference for Moon Township, PA; Portland, OR; Tempe ...
Tempe, AZ · On-site +1
$42.50/hr
This is a great opportunity to work on high-impact projects in a collaborative, fast-paced ... S. (Remote available for strong candidates; preference for Moon Township, PA; Portland, OR; Tempe ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Quick apply
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects * Experience in ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects * Experience in ...
$95K - $129K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Quick apply
$95K - $129K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects * Experience in ...
Quick apply
$98K - $135K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects * Experience in ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$95K - $129K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$95K - $129K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$185K - $215K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Support Upward Projects' continued growth by creating scalable systems that deliver exceptional ...
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$185K - $215K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Support Upward Projects' continued growth by creating scalable systems that deliver exceptional ...
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Quick apply
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Tempe, AZ · On-site
$63K - $68K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Tempe, AZ · On-site
$63K - $68K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Gilbert, AZ · On-site
$62K - $66K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Gilbert, AZ · On-site
$62K - $66K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
$131K - $160K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Quick apply
$131K - $160K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Tempe, AZ · On-site
$63K - $67K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Tempe, AZ · On-site
$63K - $67K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Scottsdale, AZ · On-site
$63K - $68K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Scottsdale, AZ · On-site
$63K - $68K/yr
... moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the ... Provide updates and reporting on budget spend, project status, and area of responsibility at ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$131K - $160K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$131K - $160K/yr
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the ...
... the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join ... project milestones. Responsibilities * Serve as the IR Window Responsible Engineer (RE) for the ...
... the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join ... project milestones. Responsibilities * Serve as the IR Window Responsible Engineer (RE) for the ...
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones. YOU'LL BRING THSES ...
Quick apply
The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones. YOU'LL BRING THSES ...
| Aspect | Project Moon | Project Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically requires a degree in project management, engineering, or related field; certifications like PMP are common | Often requires a high school diploma or bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM are advantageous |
| Work Environment | Involves planning, overseeing, and executing projects, often in technical or construction industries | Supports project teams by coordinating schedules, resources, and communication |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used by construction, engineering, IT, and manufacturing companies | Common across various industries including corporate, healthcare, and IT sectors |
Project Moon typically involves higher-level planning and management responsibilities, requiring specific credentials and experience. In contrast, a Project Coordinator focuses on supporting project execution through organization and communication. Both roles are essential in project teams but differ in scope and seniority.

9.2
Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
4th of 72 rated aerospace companies
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:
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER:
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
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 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 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. 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.
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Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
201 - 500 Employees
Long Beach, CA, US
2006