Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer/Lead - Rocket Lab
Long Beach, CA 90801
About the Job
ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems
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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world
Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future
Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!SPACE SYSTEMSRocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more
Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.PRINCIPAL SPACECRAFT GUIDANCE NAVIGATION AND CONTROL (GNC) ENGINEER/LEADBased out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, the Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer/Lead 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:Lead 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 RPODDesign of flight software, algorithms, and simulation productDevelopment of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation managementGNC component selection and GNC subsystem designTest process development and executionDefine fault detection and responseHardware-in-the-loop and monte carlo simulationIntegration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations toolsSupport internal and external design reviewsWork with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical statusCoordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New ZealandYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in computer science, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline10+ years’ experience with C++ or similar object-oriented programming language3+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellitesKnowledge of GNC sensors and actuatorsProficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similarPrior experience leading a team of three or more direct reportsPrior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectorsTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:MS or PhDExperience in Jira planning and workflowHands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardwareExperience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor dataDemonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight softwareDemonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolutionPrior 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 teamExperience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design workADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noiseLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan 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 insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role
Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$165,000—$230,000 USDWHAT 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 Biow at
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.
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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world
Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future
Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!SPACE SYSTEMSRocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more
Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.PRINCIPAL SPACECRAFT GUIDANCE NAVIGATION AND CONTROL (GNC) ENGINEER/LEADBased out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, the Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer/Lead 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:Lead 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 RPODDesign of flight software, algorithms, and simulation productDevelopment of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation managementGNC component selection and GNC subsystem designTest process development and executionDefine fault detection and responseHardware-in-the-loop and monte carlo simulationIntegration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations toolsSupport internal and external design reviewsWork with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical statusCoordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New ZealandYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in computer science, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline10+ years’ experience with C++ or similar object-oriented programming language3+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellitesKnowledge of GNC sensors and actuatorsProficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similarPrior experience leading a team of three or more direct reportsPrior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectorsTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:MS or PhDExperience in Jira planning and workflowHands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardwareExperience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor dataDemonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight softwareDemonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolutionPrior 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 teamExperience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design workADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noiseLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan 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 insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role
Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$165,000—$230,000 USDWHAT 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 Biow at
g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This
dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interviewOnly 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.
Source : Rocket Lab