Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

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.

• Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
• Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
• Select GNC components and design GNC subsystem
• Develop and execute test processes
• Define fault detection and response
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
• Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
• Support internal and external design reviews
• Plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status
• Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand

• BS and 2+ 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

• MS or PhD
• Active DoD US Government Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
• 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 (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

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

$115,000 – $140,000 USD

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) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

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.