GNC Engineer - Electron: Trajectory & Flight Dynamics

Rocket Lab; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a GNC Engineer for the Electron program to design and optimize trajectories, develop auto-sequence plans, and perform Monte Carlo analyses for flight operations. You will work across Electron, Neutron, and related programs, contributing to launch readiness and mission assurance.

The role requires a Master’s or higher in Aerospace or Mechatronics, plus 1–2 years in aerospace software and rocket engineering.

Qualifications

• Master’s, bachelor’s or higher degree in Aerospace, Mechatronics or equivalent qualification
• A thorough fundamental understanding of orbital mechanics
• 1-2 years of experience developing software
• 1-2 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience (including rocketry experience)
• Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions
• Experience with Python or MATLAB
• Experience with GMAT or STK
• Experience in development/implementation of a basic 3DOF propagator for LEO, lunar, or interplanetary trajectory from fundamental equations of motion

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Rigid body dynamics

Software development (1-2 years)

Aerospace engineering (1-2 years)

Education

Master’s, bachelor’s or higher degree in Aerospace, Mechatronics or equivalent qualification

Tools

Python

MATLAB

GMAT

STK

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a GNC Engineer for the Electron program to design and optimize trajectories, develop auto-sequence plans, and perform Monte Carlo analyses for flight operations. You will work across Electron, Neutron, and related programs, contributing to launch readiness and mission assurance.

The role requires a Master’s or higher in Aerospace or Mechatronics, plus 1–2 years in aerospace software and rocket engineering.