GNC Engineer I — Trajectory & Auto-Sequence

Rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is seeking a GNC Engineer I to contribute to trajectory design, mission design, and GNC development across launch operations and test facilities. This role collaborates with engineers to ensure robust guidance, navigation, and control for both orbital and suborbital missions.

You will perform Monte Carlo analyses, auto-sequence planning and verification, and support flight hardware integration while maintaining a strong safety mindset and adherence to procedures.

Qualifications

• Master’s, bachelor’s or higher degree in Aerospace, Mechatronics or equivalent qualification.
• A thorough fundamental understanding of orbital mechanics.
• A good theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid body dynamics.
• 1–2 years of experience developing software.
• 1–2 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience (including rocketry experience).

Responsibilities

• Trajectory Optimization & Mission Design.
• GNC R&D / Support.
• Health and Safety.

Skills

orbital mechanics understanding

rigid body dynamics

software development

aerospace engineering experience

Education

Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechatronics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

GMAT

STK

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is seeking a GNC Engineer I to contribute to trajectory design, mission design, and GNC development across launch operations and test facilities. This role collaborates with engineers to ensure robust guidance, navigation, and control for both orbital and suborbital missions.

You will perform Monte Carlo analyses, auto-sequence planning and verification, and support flight hardware integration while maintaining a strong safety mindset and adherence to procedures.