Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - were 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.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. 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. 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.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT GUIDANCE NAVIGATION AND CONTROL (GNC) ENGINEER I/II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II is responsible for leading GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab's growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: 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. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Mentor a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD

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

Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status

Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand

(Please note: This position can be hired at the Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I or Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer II level.)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER I: BS and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS

Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors

U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER II: BS and 8+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS

Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors

U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: MS or PhD

Active Secret or TS Security Clearance

2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience

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

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 (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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus

Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing

Must be physically able to commute to buildings

Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise