Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft GNC Engineer I or II based at its Littleton, Colorado site to lead guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) and attitude determination and control system (ADCS) development for a growing fleet of spacecraft. The role spans the engineering life cycle, including spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements, detailed GNC design, subsystem and vehicle integration and test, and development schedule planning. The engineer works with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams, and interacts directly with customers to support mission success. The position contributes to Rocket Lab’s Space Systems Software organization and its programs and products. It may be hired at either Engineer I or Engineer II level. The role is based in Littleton, CO, and includes coordination with teams in Long Beach, California, and New Zealand. The work may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer use, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
- For Engineer I: Bachelor of Science degree and experience in GNC/ADCS.
- For Engineer II: Bachelor of Science degree and at least 2 years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS.
- Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or Ph.D.
- Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one.
- RPOD design and operations experience.
- Experience with Jira planning and workflow.
- Prior experience mentoring less experienced engineers.
- 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 life cycle.
- 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.
- Perform 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.
- Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedules and milestones, and report technical status.
- Coordinate with teams in Long Beach, California, and New Zealand.
- Lead GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab spacecraft and support engineering work across the spacecraft life cycle.
- Interact directly with customers to support mission success.
Benefits
- Company stock or cash incentives may be available.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with discounted stock.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan options.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Paid parental leave.
- Other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
