Spacecraft GNC Engineer I​/II

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, satellite design, manufacturing, and payloads. Our missions support scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate action, national security, and technology demonstrations.

We have developed the Electron rocket, which has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, and we are building the Neutron medium‑lift, reusable vehicle. Our Space Systems team designs and builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for NASA missions, the James Webb Space Telescope, and other high‑profile projects.

Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II – based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO. Responsibilities include leading GNC and ADCS development for our growing fleet, covering the entire engineering life cycle from concept to integration and test, and working closely with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams as well as customers.

• Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products
• Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
• Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems
• Develop and execute test processes
• Define fault detection and response strategies
• Run 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
• Plan and maintain team schedules and milestones and report technical status
• Coordinate with teams in Long Beach, CA and New Zealand

Spacecraft GNC Engineer I

• BS in a relevant field and experience in GNC/ADCS
• Experience interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
• U.S. citizenship required

Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

• BS and ≥2 years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
• Experience interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
• U.S. citizenship required

Nice to Have

• MS or PhD
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain
• ≥2 years of RPOD design and operations experience
• Experience with Jira planning and workflow
• Mentoring experience
• Hands‑on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and related GNC hardware
• Experience developing blended attitude solutions from sensor data
• Flight software development, implementation, and verification experience
• On‑orbit operations and anomaly resolution experience
• Leadership across project life cycles
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize
• GNC‑related business development or conceptual design experience

Base Pay Range (CO Only): $95,000 – $130,000 USD. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience, and includes potential company stock, cash incentives, and the Employee Stock Purchase Program. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks.

Typical duties may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or qualified refugees/asylum seekers who can obtain required authorizations. For U.S. offices, background checks and security clearances may be required under ITAR. For New Zealand offices, eligibility is limited to holders of citizenship in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO member countries.