Rocket Lab

Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab$85K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in aerospace engineering or related field; MS or PhD preferred
  • 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS for Engineer II level
  • Experience interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
  • Active U.S. citizenship required
  • Familiarity with GNC hardware such as IMUs, reaction wheels, and star trackers is advantageous

Responsibilities

  • Design flight software, algorithms, and simulations
  • Develop tools for spacecraft autonomy and constellation management
  • Select components and design GNC subsystems
  • Create and execute testing processes
  • Define and implement fault detection and response strategies
  • Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
  • Integrate software with modern analysis and testing tools

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan options
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
  • Paid parental leave
  • Discounted stock purchase through Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Potential eligibility for company stock or cash incentives
Full Job Description
SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER 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. 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:
  • 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 Spacecraft GNC Engineer I or Spacecraft GNC Engineer II level.)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER I:
  • BS and 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER II:
  • BS and 2+ 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 DoD US Government Secret Security Clearance or, ability to obtain and maintain one
  • 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


The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$85,000-$130,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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