Senior GNC Engineer II- Mission Formulation

SENIOR GNC ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION

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

As part of the Mission Formulation team responsibilities include conducting trade studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and defining and implementing detailed designs for Rocket Lab’s launch programs. The team is responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions for classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles. Success in this position is measured by the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience, ability to contribute to projects independently, collaborate across teams, and prioritize competing engineering projects.

• 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
• Conduct flight safety analyses prior to launch and provide related day‑of‑launch support
• Verify readiness of AFTS (Automated Flight Termination System) hardware and software
• Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering)
• 8+ years working experience in an engineering or analytical role
• Proven experience developing real‑time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles

• 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

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 job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. 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, 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. Base Pay Range (CA Only): $120,000 USD – $176,000 USD.

We’r…