GNC Engineer II

GNC Engineer II – Mission Formulation

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the GNC Engineer II – Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions.

You’ll play an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team, which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life.

• GNC contact to Business Development for proposals and mission definition
• Launch and mission operational concept development
• Orbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysis
• Work with external stakeholders and customers for mission‑specific requirements engineering
• Document proposed GNC solutions and participate in design reviews with customers
• Support hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing to verify trajectories, GNC, and flight code performance
• Conduct Monte‑Carlo simulation analyses to define and verify launch and mission operations
• Develop and support release of flight code for pre‑launch ground testing, launch, and mission operations
• Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed‑loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles
• Experience with trajectory optimization
• Proven experience developing real‑time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles
• Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
• Experience with git version control
• 3+ years’ experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamics systems, particularly rigid bodies
• 3+ years’ experience with Python development
• 3+ years’ experience with data analysis using MATLAB and/or Sci Py
• Experience developing in C/C++
• Experience with ASTOS or similar mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation tools
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
• Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving
• Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher‑level tasks

• Base Pay Range (CO Only): $115,000—$144,000 USD
• Eligible for company stock or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Other discounts and perks

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.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. This role requires eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.