Optical Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation · Toronto, CAN

  • Junior
  • Full-time
  • $108,000 – $113,000
  • 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

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 II 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.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; RRSP retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$108,000—$113,000 USD

Base Salary
$81,000—$102,000 USD

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 p

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