Space Talent
Team Lead - Electron GNC - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)
Space Talent, Littleton, Colorado, us, 80161
ABOUT 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 space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become one of the world’s most frequently launched U.S. rockets, delivering satellites to orbit, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED. ELECTRON Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is a frequently launched rocket, and the team behind its success is collaborative, fast-moving, and focused on delivering a reliable rocket to the launch pad. TEAM LEAD – ELECTRON GNC As the Team Lead - Electron GNC, you will drive mission success by collaborating with the VP of NZ Operations, engineering leadership, and cross-functional teams. You will coordinate essential activities across the Electron launch system, including mission design, launch vehicle performance optimization, and GNC-related launch operations. You will also spearhead software verification and release through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing to ensure missions are reliable and high-performing from ground up. This is an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation—partnering with world-class engineers, leading cross-functional projects, and delivering high-performance software and mission systems that soar. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Own the GNC pipeline – from algorithm design and mission planning to software implementation and post-flight analysis. Lead development of flight-critical software including auto-sequences, mission-specific trajectories, and launch performance modelling. Manage and mentor a high-performing GNC team, guiding technical direction and career growth. Oversee the verification and release of flight software using HITL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing. Collaborate across engineering, mission management, and business development to ensure mission success. Provide technical feedback on launch vehicle requirements and shape future capabilities. YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
A Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Electrical, or Software Engineering 5+ years’ experience in aerospace/space systems and developing GNC algorithms for launch vehicles Deep knowledge of orbital mechanics, rigid body dynamics, and control systems Strong skills in Python, MATLAB/SciPy, and experience with simulation and flight software Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex projects under pressure Excellent communicator with a passion for mentoring and solving hard problems THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Experience in C/C++ development, embedded or high-reliability systems Familiarity with Git, cross-functional project delivery, and performance coaching A proactive, hands-on mindset and a passion for spaceflight At Rocket Lab, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, high-impact team driven by purpose. We move fast, we’re ambitious, and we don’t back down from hard challenges. You’ll work in an environment that rewards ownership, encourages experimentation, and builds rockets that fly. Ready to lead missions into orbit? Apply now and help shape the future of space technology. 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. Equal employment opportunity statement: Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This resource is for job seekers with disabilities; only messages for this purpose will be considered. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks to confirm eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.
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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 space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become one of the world’s most frequently launched U.S. rockets, delivering satellites to orbit, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED. ELECTRON Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is a frequently launched rocket, and the team behind its success is collaborative, fast-moving, and focused on delivering a reliable rocket to the launch pad. TEAM LEAD – ELECTRON GNC As the Team Lead - Electron GNC, you will drive mission success by collaborating with the VP of NZ Operations, engineering leadership, and cross-functional teams. You will coordinate essential activities across the Electron launch system, including mission design, launch vehicle performance optimization, and GNC-related launch operations. You will also spearhead software verification and release through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing to ensure missions are reliable and high-performing from ground up. This is an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation—partnering with world-class engineers, leading cross-functional projects, and delivering high-performance software and mission systems that soar. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Own the GNC pipeline – from algorithm design and mission planning to software implementation and post-flight analysis. Lead development of flight-critical software including auto-sequences, mission-specific trajectories, and launch performance modelling. Manage and mentor a high-performing GNC team, guiding technical direction and career growth. Oversee the verification and release of flight software using HITL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing. Collaborate across engineering, mission management, and business development to ensure mission success. Provide technical feedback on launch vehicle requirements and shape future capabilities. YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
A Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Electrical, or Software Engineering 5+ years’ experience in aerospace/space systems and developing GNC algorithms for launch vehicles Deep knowledge of orbital mechanics, rigid body dynamics, and control systems Strong skills in Python, MATLAB/SciPy, and experience with simulation and flight software Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex projects under pressure Excellent communicator with a passion for mentoring and solving hard problems THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Experience in C/C++ development, embedded or high-reliability systems Familiarity with Git, cross-functional project delivery, and performance coaching A proactive, hands-on mindset and a passion for spaceflight At Rocket Lab, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, high-impact team driven by purpose. We move fast, we’re ambitious, and we don’t back down from hard challenges. You’ll work in an environment that rewards ownership, encourages experimentation, and builds rockets that fly. Ready to lead missions into orbit? Apply now and help shape the future of space technology. 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. Equal employment opportunity statement: Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This resource is for job seekers with disabilities; only messages for this purpose will be considered. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks to confirm eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.
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