Senior GNC Engineer

Rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to own mission design, trajectory optimization, and GNC development across Electron and other programs. You will build GNC software, develop models, analyze flight data, and mentor the team to push the boundaries of spaceflight.

The role requires strong background in electronics, software, and aerospace, with a proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience developing in C/C++ including some embedded or high reliability development.
• 5+ years' experience developing in Python or MATLAB.
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Trajectory design including optimization and Monte Carlo analysis as required for mission design.
• GNC system development including flight software, models, and data analysis.
• Mentor and support the GNC team alongside the Team Lead.
• Develop 3DOF/6DOF trajectories and verification for flight scenarios.
• Contribute to launch operations and HITL tasks to ensure mission success.

Skills

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. in Electronics, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

GMAT

STK

ASTOS

POST

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ELECTRON:

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world's most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

SENIOR GNC ENGINEER

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Mission design including trajectory design and optimization, auto-sequence planning & design, Monte Carlo analysis, configuration management, and any other mission design, launch operations, verification and validation tasks as required.
• GNC system development including writing GNC flight software, developing algorithms and models, analyzing GNC hardware performance, analyzing flight data.
• Working with the GNC Team Lead to support and mentor the team.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Trajectory Optimization & Mission Design
  • Assisting with trajectory optimization/design for launch vehicle orbital missions and suborbital missions (HASTE).
  • Assisting with auto sequence design (maneuvers, telemetry, ground station contacts), implementation and verification for flight, stack tests and wet dress rehearsals
  • Analysis and missionization of optimized 3DOF trajectories for implementation in 6DOF and flight scenarios
  • Monte-Carlo analysis pre-flight, launch day and post-flight analysis
  • Design and verification of spacecraft separation sequences and dynamics
• GNC R&D / Support
  • Assisting with all areas of GNC development and maintenance for Electron, Neutron and/or other programs including:
  • Core GNC R&D (Guidance, Navigation, and Control)
  • Vehicle parameter modelling / prediction and/or configuration control
  • 6DOF simulator design and development
  • Launch and HITL operations
• Health and Safety
  • Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
  • Correct PPE is worn in designated areas
  • Near misses and incidents are reported promptly

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. in Electronics, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering
• 5+ years' experience developing in C/C++ including some embedded or high reliability development
• 5+ years' experience developing in Python or MATLAB
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions
• Experience with GMAT,STK, ASTOS and/or POST
• Publications in the fields of guidance, navigation, control or other adjacent fields

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.