Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance

ABOUT 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 to 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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that keep them thriving in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, a constellation, or a vertically integrated set of components, our world‑class Space Systems team empowers some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer – Secret Clearance 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, working with all facets of the engineering life cycle: concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T.

You will plan and maintain 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—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 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
• 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
• Plan and maintain team schedules, milestones, and technical status reports with department leads and program managers
• Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand

• B.S. and 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
• Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI
• 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
• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with…