Design Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Design Engineer jobs in Tucson are concentrated along the Aerospace Corridor near Tucson International Airport, in the Midtown tech and manufacturing clusters, and in the growing Rita Ranch and Marana industrial zones, with strong demand across aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Employers hiring right now include Raytheon, Garmin, and Quest Defense. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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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.
SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER I
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 Senior Design Engineer I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture with three-dimensional computer-aided designs.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
- Produce mechanical designs & drawings for a wide variety of hardware and assemblies.
- Work with the engineering and AI&T teams to develop designs and assembly processes.
- Support program efforts through inception to successful integration and test.
- Serve as an adjunct PDM administrator to support drawing workflows for review and release of drawings and other project documentation.
- Ensure technical documentation control processes are followed and implement revision control on CAD models and drawings.
- Identify and correct design, model, and drawing errors and deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
- Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs.
- Work proactively to complete tasks in some modest direction.
- Communicate effectively with project management and team members across disciplines.
- Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
- Ability to support on-site work, as needed.
- Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER I:
- 5+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree, or 9+ years of experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree
- Mechanical design experience associated with assembly and testing of optical systems.
- Experience with SolidWorks, NX, or CREO.
- Proficiency in utilizing common PDM data management tools and administration.
- Familiarity with industry practices/standards used in drafting, design modeling, and revision control.
- Proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Associate degree in Computer Aided Design, Engineering Technology, IT, or other applicable degree, or equivalent proficiency gained from practical experience.
- Expertise in implementation of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards, FAIR inspections and tooling methods, and DFM ownership.
- Hands-on experience with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems.
- Experience as an REA (Responsible Engineering Authority) or familiarity with documentation process controls.
- Ability to support travel as required, including working off-site.
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 challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
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.
SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER I
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 Senior Design Engineer I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture with three-dimensional computer-aided designs.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
- Produce mechanical designs & drawings for a wide variety of hardware and assemblies.
- Work with the engineering and AI&T teams to develop designs and assembly processes.
- Support program efforts through inception to successful integration and test.
- Serve as an adjunct PDM administrator to support drawing workflows for review and release of drawings and other project documentation.
- Ensure technical documentation control processes are followed and implement revision control on CAD models and drawings.
- Identify and correct design, model, and drawing errors and deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
- Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs.
- Work proactively to complete tasks in some modest direction.
- Communicate effectively with project management and team members across disciplines.
- Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
- Ability to support on-site work, as needed.
- Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER I:
- 5+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree, or 9+ years of experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree
- Mechanical design experience associated with assembly and testing of optical systems.
- Experience with SolidWorks, NX, or CREO.
- Proficiency in utilizing common PDM data management tools and administration.
- Familiarity with industry practices/standards used in drafting, design modeling, and revision control.
- Proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Associate degree in Computer Aided Design, Engineering Technology, IT, or other applicable degree, or equivalent proficiency gained from practical experience.
- Expertise in implementation of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards, FAIR inspections and tooling methods, and DFM ownership.
- Hands-on experience with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems.
- Experience as an REA (Responsible Engineering Authority) or familiarity with documentation process controls.
- Ability to support travel as required, including working off-site.
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 challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
See All 76 Design Engineer Jobs in Tucson
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Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Job Market in Tucson
Who's Hiring
- Raytheon58
- Garmin4
- Quest Defense4
- Rocket Lab USA4
- Leonardo Electronics US4L
Design Engineer Jobs in Tucson: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a design engineer job in Tucson?
The strongest path into Tucson's design engineering market runs through aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing, where employers along the Aerospace Corridor and in Marana actively recruit candidates with CAD proficiency, systems-level thinking, and hands-on prototyping experience. Familiarity with defense program requirements and government contract workflows gives candidates a clear edge over generalists, and connections through the University of Arizona's College of Engineering can open doors to both established contractors and growing startups.
Which companies hire design engineers in Tucson?
Employers hiring design engineers in Tucson right now include Raytheon, Garmin, and Quest Defense, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tucson's hiring base skews heavily toward aerospace primes and defense subcontractors, alongside a smaller but active set of industrial equipment and semiconductor equipment manufacturers.
Are there remote design engineer jobs in Tucson?
Yes, though design engineering roles are less remote-friendly than purely analytical positions because much of the work involves physical prototypes, lab equipment, and on-site collaboration with production teams. About 0% of design engineer openings tied to Tucson are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and the remote-eligible work tends to cluster in CAD modeling, documentation, and systems analysis phases rather than testing or integration.
How can I get a design engineer job in Tucson with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Tucson is a junior or associate design engineer role at one of the mid-tier defense subcontractors or precision manufacturers in the Marana and Aerospace Corridor areas, which hire regularly from University of Arizona and Pima Community College programs. Internships or co-ops with Tucson defense contractors convert to full-time offers at a high rate, and roles titled drafting technician or design technician are a common lateral step for candidates still building their portfolio.
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