Optical Engineer I

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 OPTICAL ENGINEER I Based out of Rocket Lab's site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Optical Engineer I reports to the optical lead and is responsible for supporting development and maintenance of star tracker products.

  WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Undertake design, analysis and test to develop new star tracker products and maintain existing products Develop, integrate and commission test setups for star tracker production, and research & development Complete data collection and analysis to quantify part level and unit level performance Support the quality team as needed for root cause analysis and disposition of non-conformances Support the production team as needed to complete assembly, integration and test of star tracker products Support the business development team in responding to customer inquiries YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering Experience in mechanical engineering or related field Experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field 2+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems Master’s degree in physics or aerospace engineering Experience with optical design and Zemax OpticStudio Familiarity with optomechanical design and sourcing/selection of optomechanical components Familiarity with spacecraft system design and the space environment Familiarity with lens manufacture and assembly Familiarity with stray light analysis and stray light mitigation techniques Excellent written and verbal communications skills Exceptional problem-solving skills Experience with data analysis, visualization and interpretation using Python or Matlab Experience with source control technologies like GIT or SVN Experience with embedded microcontroller development in C 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.

  The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; RRSP retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and per