Rocket Lab

Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

Rocket Lab$115K — $140K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Engineering with 2+ years of GNC/ADCS industry experience
  • Experience interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
  • U.S. citizenship required due to program specifications
  • Preferred MS or PhD qualifications
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Design flight software and simulation products
  • Develop tools for spacecraft autonomy and constellation management
  • Select components and design GNC subsystems
  • Develop and execute testing processes
  • Define fault detection mechanisms and response strategies
  • Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
  • Integrate flight and simulation software with analysis and operations tools
  • Support internal and external design reviews
  • Coordinate scheduling with teams across locations in Colorado and New Zealand.

Benefits

  • Top-tier medical plans including HMO, PPO, and a 100% company-sponsored HSA option
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation plus 5 sick days annually
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care
  • Paid parental leave and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Discounted employee stock purchase program and subsidized EV charging
  • Onsite gym and refreshments provided.
Full Job Description
SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft GNC Engineer 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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING 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


Level 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, 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)

$115,000-$140,000 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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