Principal Optical Engineer

rocketlab

Tucson, AZ · Tucson · United States

Posted Jul 3, 2026

Other
106 OS - Design Engineering

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Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 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.