Senior GNC Engineer: Spacecraft Trajectory & Guidance Lead

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to lead trajectory design, mission optimization, and GNC development for Electron, Neutron, and other programs. You will write flight software, model vehicle dynamics, and support a growing GNC team in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The role requires a strong background in C/C++, Python or MATLAB, and proven ability to work under pressure while delivering high-reliability results.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

C/C++ development

Python or MATLAB

Embedded systems

Communication skills

Pressure management

Education

Engineering degree (BSc/MSc/PhD)

Tools

GMAT

STK

ASTOS

POST

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to lead trajectory design, mission optimization, and GNC development for Electron, Neutron, and other programs. You will write flight software, model vehicle dynamics, and support a growing GNC team in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The role requires a strong background in C/C++, Python or MATLAB, and proven ability to work under pressure while delivering high-reliability results.