Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer I​/II

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 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.

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.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, the Senior 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, 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, and vehicle I&T.

You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Software organization, work closely with related teams including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software, and directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.

• 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 flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
• Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
• Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems
• Develop and execute test processes
• Define fault detection and response
• Conduct hardware‑in‑the‑loop and Monte Carlo simulations
• Integrate 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

• BS and 5+ 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

• BS and 8+ 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

• Active Secret or TS Security clearance
• MS or PhD
• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
• Experience in Jira planning and workflow
• Prior experience 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
• Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
• Experience with GNC‑related Business Development…