Jobs in New Zealand

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 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 rockets have become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and have 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.

Neutron is Rocket Lab’s new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently in development. The Neutron Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) team has a broad set of responsibilities including:

• Mission design and trajectory optimization
• Embedded GNC algorithms development
• Simulation including hardware and physics modelling
• Interacting with all teams, studying and informing vehicle design trades
• Automated hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test campaigns

The Neutron program is seeking a skilled and experienced GNC Engineer to work on the control and guidance algorithms of Neutron. You will define and implement innovative algorithms that ensure Neutron deploys payloads to the targeted orbit, and that the first stage reaches its landing site safely and reliably. You will validate your algorithms with thorough analysis, including HITL testing and Monte Carlo simulations.

• Bachelor, Master or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent qualification
• Experience with dynamics and modelling of either launch vehicle, spacecraft, aircraft or robotics
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed-loop control systems
• Experience developing in C/C++
• 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

• A thorough theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid and/or flexible body dynamics, particularly 6DOF rocket dynamics
• Experience with Git version control
• Experience working in a continuous integration environment
• Experience with Simulink
• Experience in developing models from fundamental principles and validating through test
• Experience with high reliability systems and processes
• Experience with flight simulator or flight software development for UAVs, rockets, or spacecraft

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, 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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.