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, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been 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, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

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.

• 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 of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product.
• Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management.
• GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design.
• Test process development and execution.
• Define fault detection and response.
• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop and Monte Carlo simulation.
• Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools.
• Support internal and external design reviews.
• Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status.
• 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 Ph.D.
• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience in Jira planning and workflow.
• 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.

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…