Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer II Verified today

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. Our Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components for the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, you will lead GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab's growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will work across the full engineering lifecycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements, detailed GNC design, integration and test, and vehicle integration and test. You will plan schedules to support leading-edge programs, work with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams, and directly interact with customers.

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
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
• Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
• Support internal and external design reviews
• Plan and maintain team schedules and milestones with department leads and program managers
• Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand

Required Qualifications

• BS degree and 8+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
• 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 Secret or TS Security Clearance
• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
• Experience in 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 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 multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
• Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $162,000 - $243,000 USD. Level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored 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) with company match; employee stock purchase program; subsidized EV charging; 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.

Export Control and Citizenship

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident with a current Green Card, lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.