Principal Optical Engineer

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. The role is based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, and involves modelling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions. Candidates will simulate electro‑optical phenomenology and demonstrate technology through first‑of‑its‑kind prototypes, using standard modeling tools and developing algorithms and radiometric analysis.

What you’ll get to do

• Guide or author data collection and analysis software
• Collaborate closely with firmware development, electronics interface control, and optical teams
• Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop lab and field resolutions
• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and multidisciplinary team members
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization on project matters
• Provide status updates on assigned tasks and program schedules
• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
• Manage time and resources to meet assigned deadlines
• Develop detection and calibration algorithms for optical systems throughout their lifecycle
• Simulate all parts of the electro‑optical payloads, including radiometric, detector, and optical prescriptions
• Take initiative, identify problems, and present solutions as a self‑starter

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a 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), and FRED

Nice to have

• Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Ph.D. 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.