GNC Engineer II – Electron

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 some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new 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. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You'll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Electron GNC Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, testing, and application of Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems used in the operation and production of the Electron rocket. You take ownership of missions seeing them from initial concept through to launch and get responsibility for improving tooling that enables us to reliably deliver launches. This includes mission design, algorithm development, trajectory optimization, auto-sequence planning, Monte Carlo analysis, configuration management, launch operations, data analysis, physical systems modelling, and many more. GNC takes pride in delivering 100% mission success, on time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting with trajectory optimization/design for launch vehicle orbital missions.
• Assisting with auto sequence design (maneuvers, telemetry, ground station contacts), implementation and verification for orbital flight, stack tests and wet dress rehearsals
• Analysis and missionization of optimized 3DOF trajectories for implementation in 6DOF and flight scenarios
• Monte-Carlo analysis pre-flight, launch day and post-flight analysis
• Design and verification of spacecraft separation sequences and dynamics
• Assisting with all areas of GNC development and maintenance for Electron and HASTE
• Core GNC R&D (Guidance, Navigation, Control, Trajectory Design)
• Vehicle modelling / prediction and/or configuration control
• 6DOF simulator design and development
• Launch and HITL operations

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's, bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent qualification
• Experience developing in C/C++
• Experience developing in Python or MATLAB
• A thorough theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid and/or flexible body dynamics, particularly 6DOF rocket dynamics
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed-loop control systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with simulation and/or embedded software development for UAVs, rockets, spacecraft, or robotics
• Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft dynamics and modelling
• Experience in developing models from fundamental principles and validating through test
• Experience with optimization approaches for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions
• Experience working in a continuous integration environment

If the above sounds like you, apply now

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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.