Rocket Lab Corporation
Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II
Littleton, CO · Mid
No sponsorship$95k-$130kDetected 8 days ago
AlgorithmsCybersecurityJiraBusiness DevelopmentAvionicsSensorsMentoring
About the role
- Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.
- Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
- SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER I/II Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, the Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II is responsible for leading GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab's growing fleet of diverse spacecraft.
Responsibilities
- spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T.
- You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products.
- 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.
- 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 to 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.
- At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space.
- Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
- The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
Requirements
- BS and experience in GNC/ADCS
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- BS and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
- Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
Nice to have
- Experience in Jira planning and workflow
- Prior experiencing mentoring a team of younger engineers
- Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
- Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
- Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle (not necessarily a spacecraft, not necessarily a whole GNC system)
- Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
- Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work
- This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Skills
- Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
- Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
- GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
- Test process development and execution
- Define fault detection and response
- Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
- Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
- Support internal and external design reviews
- Coordinate with teams in Long Beach, CA and New Zealand
Compensation
- $95,000 - $130,000 USD
- 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.
Company info
- You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
Equal opportunity
- Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.
Visa & Work Authorization
- S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
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This listing is sourced directly from Rocket Lab Corporation's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.