GNC Engineer: Trajectory & Mission Design

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a GNC Engineer for the Electron program in Auckland. You will contribute to trajectory design, vehicle performance modeling, and mission analysis for both orbital and suborbital missions.

The role emphasizes GNC research and development, software tool utilization in Python and MATLAB, and adherence to health and safety procedures in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechatronics or equivalent qualification.
• Fundamental understanding of orbital mechanics.
• Good theoretical/practical understanding of rigid body dynamics.
• 1–5 years of software development experience.
• 1–5 years of aerospace engineering experience (rocketry preferred).

Responsibilities

• Trajectory optimization and mission design for launch vehicle and suborbital missions.
• Assist with auto-sequence design, maneuvers, telemetry, and ground station contacts; verify for flight tests.
• Analyze and missionize optimized 3DOF trajectories for 6DOF flight scenarios.
• GNC R&D and support across Electron/Neutron programs, including core GNC and simulation tools.
• Ensure health and safety policies are followed and proper PPE used.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Rigid body dynamics

Software development

Aerospace engineering

GNC experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechatronics or equivalent

Tools

Python

MATLAB

GMAT

STK

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks a GNC Engineer for the Electron program in Auckland. You will contribute to trajectory design, vehicle performance modeling, and mission analysis for both orbital and suborbital missions.

The role emphasizes GNC research and development, software tool utilization in Python and MATLAB, and adherence to health and safety procedures in a fast-paced aerospace environment.