GNC Engineer II

About the role

Rocket Lab is a leading space organization dedicated to providing reliable launch services, designing and manufacturing spacecraft, and advancing space access for a variety of missions. Our focus includes scientific exploration, national security, and commercial satellite deployment. We are seeking a GNC Engineer II to join our team based in Long Beach, CA, where you will play a vital role in supporting our Global Launch Services Mission Formulation Team. In this position, you will be responsible for designing, modeling, analyzing, and testing Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) systems for our launch vehicles. Your work will directly contribute to the success of our launch missions by ensuring precise guidance, navigation, and control throughout the flight profile. You will collaborate closely with other engineering teams, external stakeholders, and clients to develop mission-specific solutions, validate flight software, and improve overall vehicle performance.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary GNC technical lead for mission proposals, mission definitions, and launch vehicle design efforts.
• Develop and refine operational concepts for launch and mission profiles, including trajectory planning and control strategies.
• Design, analyze, and optimize orbital and suborbital trajectories to meet mission objectives, considering vehicle performance and environmental factors.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including government agencies and commercial clients, to gather detailed mission requirements and ensure GNC solutions align with mission goals.
• Document GNC system designs, including control algorithms, hardware interfaces, and software requirements, and prepare technical reports for internal review and customer presentations.
• Participate in design reviews, providing expert input on GNC system performance, robustness, and safety considerations.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing activities to validate trajectory models, flight code, and GNC hardware integration prior to launch.
• Conduct Monte Carlo simulations and other statistical analyses to assess the robustness and reliability of GNC systems under various mission scenarios and uncertainties.
• Develop, deploy, and troubleshoot flight software for GNC systems, ensuring proper integration with vehicle hardware and ground support equipment.
• Create automation tools and workflows to streamline GNC modeling, simulation, and analysis tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist in troubleshooting GNC-related issues during vehicle integration, testing, and launch operations.
• Maintain detailed documentation of GNC system configurations, test procedures, and results to support certification and future development efforts.
• Stay current with advances in guidance, navigation, and control technologies, incorporating best practices into design and analysis processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in GNC or ADCS systems.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, control systems, and closed-loop control algorithms, especially in the context of launch vehicles.
• Experience in trajectory development, optimization, and analysis techniques, including the use of simulation tools.
• Proven ability to develop real-time control or estimation algorithms for autonomous systems, with a focus on launch vehicle applications.
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing, flight software development, and integration processes.
• Active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex systems and develop effective solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of preparing technical documentation and presenting findings clearly.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment and coordinate with external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of safety standards and quality assurance processes relevant to aerospace systems.

Nice to have

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience in requirements management, interface control documentation, and configuration management.
• Proficiency with version control systems such as git.
• Over 3 years of experience in modeling, simulation, or control of dynamic systems, especially rigid bodies.
• More than 3 years of programming experience in Python, with familiarity in scripting and automation tasks.
• At least 3 years of data analysis experience using MATLAB or SciPy, including statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Experience in C or C++ programming for embedded systems or flight software development.
• Familiarity with mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and simulation tools such as POST, ASTOS, or TAOS.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with team members and external partners.
• Creative thinking and analytical skills to develop innovative GNC solutions.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently, managing daily workflows effectively.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in GNC modeling and analysis software.
• Experience with simulation tools relevant to aerospace applications.
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, and scripting languages.
• Familiarity with version control systems like git.
• Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop testing setups and procedures.
• Ability to develop and troubleshoot flight software and GNC algorithms.

Practical notes

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise eligible to obtain necessary export licenses in accordance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations. The position offers a salary range between $115,000 and $144,000 USD, depending on experience and qualifications. Rocket Lab provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan with company matching. The role involves on-site work at our Long Beach, CA facility, with no remote or hybrid options specified. Candidates should be prepared to participate in testing, integration, and launch activities that require on-site presence.