Senior Optomechanical Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab Corporation is hiring a Senior Optomechanical Engineer I/II for a full-time position based in Pasadena, CA. In this role, you'll architect and deliver precision optical and mechanical systems for cutting-edge space hardware, managing projects from concept through environmental qualification and flight deployment with one of the world's leading space technology companies.

About the Role

You'll lead mechanical design efforts for optical payloads, camera systems, and precision sensor hardware at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena. Working across our Space Systems division, you'll translate payload and mission requirements into flight-ready opto-mechanical architectures, then guide these designs through analysis, review, manufacturing, integration, precision alignment, environmental testing, and orbital delivery. Your expertise in precision mechanical design, thermal stability, and spaceflight hardware will be essential to creating robust, manufacturable assemblies that perform reliably through launch loads, thermal extremes, and on-orbit operation. You'll mentor junior engineers, establish technical standards, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and test teams in a fast-paced environment where technical excellence directly enables space missions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of optical payloads, camera systems, sensor assemblies, lens mounts, and electromechanical subsystems from requirements through flight readiness
• Design precision mechanisms including pointing systems, motorized stages, gimbals, launch locks, and alignment fixtures
• Develop manufacturing fixtures, assembly tooling, and ground support equipment for integration, alignment, inspection, and test
• Define mechanical architectures, interface specifications, tolerance strategies, and assembly/test plans with emphasis on stiffness, thermal stability, manufacturability, and alignment retention
• Execute structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis, FEA, tolerance stack-up analysis, and hand calculations to verify hardware meets alignment and performance requirements through space environments
• Lead design reviews and integration activities; manage vendor coordination, procurement, and schedules
• Support integration, qualification testing, precision alignment, troubleshooting, and environmental testing
• Create and maintain comprehensive SolidWorks documentation including CAD models, production drawings, assemblies, and analyses

Skills & Qualifications

Senior Optomechanical Engineer I: Bachelor's in mechanical, aerospace, optical, or related engineering. 5+ years mechanical engineering experience. Proven spaceflight hardware delivery (design through qualification and flight). Expertise in precision mechanical design, opto-mechanical assemblies, and aerospace mechanisms. Proficiency in SolidWorks, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and mechanical documentation. Competency in STOP analysis, FEA, thermal-optical performance analysis, or structural-thermal-elastic analysis. Hands-on experience with hardware integration, precision alignment, environmental testing, and troubleshooting.

Senior Optomechanical Engineer II: Same qualifications as Engineer I, with 8+ years mechanical engineering experience.

Valued Experience: Advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.) in mechanical, aerospace, or optical engineering. Rapid prototyping and iterative design experience. Problem-solving on complex packaging and alignment challenges. Technical leadership and cross-functional stakeholder management.

Why Join Rocket Lab Corporation

Rocket Lab delivers responsive launch services and complete spacecraft for Earth observation, scientific exploration, national security, and lunar and Mars missions. Our Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, building satellites and components for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force—including hardware aboard the James Webb Space Telescope and spacecraft destined for the Moon and Mars. As an optomechanical engineer at our Pasadena headquarters, you'll design mission-critical hardware that directly advances space exploration and Earth observation capabilities, working alongside world-class engineers in a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and bold problem-solving.

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