Data Scientist I

Rocket Lab Corporation · Tucson, AZ

  • Junior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-10-13
  • Confirmed live on 14 October 2026

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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

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

DATA SCIENTIST I – OPTICAL, PHYSICS, AND MATH

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community 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, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Data Scientist I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will have an opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by modelling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Guide/author data collection and analysis software

• Analyze and assess payload calibration data

• Shadow algorithm development SME

• 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 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 DATA SCIENTIST I:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field.

• Ability to obtain security clearance

• Experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and/or data analysis

• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

• Working knowledge of MATLAB, python, C/C++

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD preferred.

• Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor 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

• 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

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 challen

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