Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions worldwide, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑action initiatives, national security, and cutting‑edge technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems team designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Senior Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer I Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I is responsible for leading GNC and ADCS development for our growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications and work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T) and vehicle I&T. You will plan and maintain the development schedule to support the Space Systems Software organization in executing leading‑edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations and Ground Software, and directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO
Mentor a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD
Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products
Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
Test process development and execution
Define fault detection and response
Hardware‑in‑the‑loop and Monte Carlo simulation
Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
Support internal and external design reviews
Plan and maintain team schedule and milestones, reporting technical status
Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
BS and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
MS or PhD
2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
Experience in Jira planning and workflow
Prior experience mentoring a team of younger engineers
Hands‑on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data
Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on‑orbit operations and anomaly resolution
Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle (not necessarily a spacecraft, not necessarily a whole GNC system)
Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
Experience with GNC‑related Business Development or conceptual design work
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $140,000 - $170,000 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 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.
To comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations, only U.S. citizens are eligible for roles in U.S. offices. Applicants residing outside the United States must meet all applicable authorization requirements. 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.
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Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems team designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Senior Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer I Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I is responsible for leading GNC and ADCS development for our growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications and work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T) and vehicle I&T. You will plan and maintain the development schedule to support the Space Systems Software organization in executing leading‑edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations and Ground Software, and directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO
Mentor a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD
Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products
Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
Test process development and execution
Define fault detection and response
Hardware‑in‑the‑loop and Monte Carlo simulation
Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
Support internal and external design reviews
Plan and maintain team schedule and milestones, reporting technical status
Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
BS and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
MS or PhD
2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
Experience in Jira planning and workflow
Prior experience mentoring a team of younger engineers
Hands‑on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data
Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on‑orbit operations and anomaly resolution
Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle (not necessarily a spacecraft, not necessarily a whole GNC system)
Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
Experience with GNC‑related Business Development or conceptual design work
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $140,000 - $170,000 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 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.
To comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations, only U.S. citizens are eligible for roles in U.S. offices. Applicants residing outside the United States must meet all applicable authorization requirements. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr