Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I - Secret Clearance Verified today

About the Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, you will lead GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab's diverse spacecraft. You will demonstrate mastery of spacecraft GNC concepts and work across the full engineering lifecycle: concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements, detailed GNC design, integration and test, and vehicle I&T. You will plan and maintain development schedules, work closely with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations and Ground Software teams, and interact directly with customers to ensure mission success.

What You'll Do

• Mentor a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD missions
• 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 strategies
• Conduct 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 team schedules, milestones, and technical status reporting with department leads and program managers
• Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
• Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI
• Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
• Experience with 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 multiple 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 managing multiple projects simultaneously and determining team priorities
• Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $132,000 to $198,000 USD. Level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total rewards include company equity and benefits package: top tier medical HMO, PPO and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility varies by employment status.

Working Conditions

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.