Rocket Lab

Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

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

Qualifications

  • B.S. degree with 2+ years of experience in GNC/ADCS.
  • Experience interfacing with aerospace clients in commercial or government sectors.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
  • U.S. citizenship required for program participation.

Responsibilities

  • Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
  • Develop autonomy tools for spacecraft constellation management.
  • Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems.
  • Create and execute test processes.
  • Define fault detection and response protocols.
  • Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations.
  • Integrate flight and simulation software with modern tools.
  • Support design reviews for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with teams based in Colorado and New Zealand.

Benefits

  • Company stock options tied to total compensation package.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on stock.
  • Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans available.
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays.
  • Flexible spending accounts and paid parental leave.
  • Disability and life insurance coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
  • Subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers available.
  • Employee discounts on merchandise and amenities.
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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • B.S and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
  • Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance
  • U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • MS or PhD
  • Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance
  • RPOD design and operations experience
  • Experience in Jira planning and workflow
  • 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

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.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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 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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