Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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.

PRINCIPAL SPACECRAFT GUIDANCE NAVIGATION AND CONTROL (GNC) ENGINEER - SECRET CLEARANCE

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL SPACECRAFT GNC ENGINEER :

• B.S and 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS

• Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI

• 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

• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience

• Active TS/SCI clearance

• 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

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. 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) retirem

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