Senior GNC Engineer- Mission Formulation

About Rocket Lab 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 to 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 rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has 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. GNC Engineer II / Senior GNC Engineer I – Mission Formulation Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, the GNC Engineer II / Senior GNC Engineer I – Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions. You’ll play an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team, which works closely with other engineering teams and production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. As part of the Mission Formulation team, you’ll be responsible for conducting trades studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and definition and implementation of detailed designs for Rocket Lab’s launch programs. This team is also primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions for classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles. Success in this position will be measured by the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience you bring, your ability to contribute to projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the prioritization of competing engineering projects across the group. What You’ll Get To Do GNC contact to Business Development for proposals and mission definition Launch and mission operational concept development Orbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysis Work with external stakeholders and customers for mission‑specific requirements engineering Document proposed GNC solutions and participate in design reviews with customers Support hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing to verify trajectories, GNC, and flight code performance Conduct Monte‑Carlo simulation analyses to define and verify launch and mission operations Develop and support release of flight code for pre‑launch ground testing, launch, and mission operations Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modeling and analysis tasks Qualifications – GNC Engineer II Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed‑loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles Experience with trajectory optimization Proven experience developing real‑time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one Qualifications – Senior GNC Engineer I Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed‑loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles Experience with trajectory optimization Proven experience developing real‑time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one Nice to Have Qualifications Active TS/SCI clearance Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation Experience with git version control 3+ years’ experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamics systems, particularly rigid bodies 3+ years’ experience with Python development 3+ years’ experience with data analysis using MATLAB and/or SciPy Experience developing in C/C++ Experience with ASTOS or similar mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation tools Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasks This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation and Benefits The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only): $120,000 USD – $176,000 USD Important Information – U.S. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. Reasonable Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. Important Information – 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rocket Lab