Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

7d•$115,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Spacecraft GNC Engineer II to lead guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) and attitude determination and control system (ADCS) development for a diverse fleet of spacecraft. Based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the role spans the engineering lifecycle, from spacecraft concepts and algorithm development through flight software implementation, subsystem requirements and design, subsystem integration and test, and vehicle integration and test. The engineer will plan and maintain development schedules in support of the Space Systems Software organization, collaborate with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams, and interact directly with customers to help ensure mission success. The position supports Rocket Lab’s Space Systems organization, which develops spacecraft, payloads, and spaceflight components and subsystems for missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, national security, and defense. The role is based in Long Beach and coordinates with teams in Denver, Colorado, and New Zealand. The role may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation includes a California base pay range of $115,000–$140,000, with the level and salary determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Company stock is also included as part of total compensation.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree.
At least 2 years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS.
Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D.
Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
RPOD design and operations experience.
Experience in Jira planning and workflow.
Hands-on experience with IMUs, 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.
Prior experience working on multiple projects simultaneously and determining team priorities.
Experience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design work.

Responsibilities

Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management.
Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems.
Develop and execute test processes.
Define fault detection and response.
Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation.
Integrate flight and simulation software with analysis, test, and operations tools.
Support internal and external design reviews.
Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedules and milestones, and report technical status.
Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado, and New Zealand.
Lead GNC and ADCS development across spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration and test, and vehicle integration and test.
Work with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams, and interact directly with customers.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.