Our Team
Over 50 years of experience.
Our reputation as a global leader in precision optics is built on consistent excellence and innovation. Our scientists, engineers and master opticians draw on decades of experience and a love of what they do.
Julia Rothman
General Manager
Julia is an accomplished space systems engineer and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience across the United States and New Zealand space and defence sectors. Her career has included senior roles in satellite development, missile defence, space surveillance, logistics capability and commercial launch operations, contributing to major advances in space technology and earning prestigious US civilian awards for her achievements.
Most recently, Julia served as Director of Launch Complex 1 at Rocket Lab, leading operations at the world’s first commercial orbital launch site. She holds advanced qualifications in physics, systems engineering and business administration, and is passionate about growing the space industry through innovation, collaboration and strategic leadership.
Dr Andrew Rakich
Chief Technology Officer
Andrew Rakich is an optical specialist with international expertise in optical design, metrology, tolerancing, aberration theory and alignment. He has led a vast range of telescope projects within KiwiStar Optics, for both Callaghan Innovation, and its precursor, Industrial Research Ltd, including large scale telescope projects with EOS Space Systems in Australia and EOS Technologies in Tucson, USA.
Projects of significance include Thai National Telescope project, Large Binocular Telescope, E-ELT for ESO, and the Giant Magellan Telescope. As Chief Technology Officer, Andrew leads the development of Kiwistar’s optical manufacturing, coating, and metrology processes, and brings more than 20 years of industry experience to developing exceptional solutions for our clients.
Malcolm Young
Business Development Manager
Malcolm Young is a commercial leader with more than 30 years’ international experience in business development, strategic planning, and operational management. As business development manager for KiwiStar Optics, he leads the company’s commercial strategy, overseeing sales, marketing, customer relationships, and contract delivery while supporting the growth of New Zealand’s precision optics and space technology sector.