Team Lead - Electron GNC - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)

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 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. 

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED. 

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

TEAM LEAD – ELECTRON GNC

As the Team Lead - Electron GNC, you will be instrumental in driving mission success. Collaborating closely with the VP of NZ Operations, engineering leadership, and cross-functional teams, you will coordinate essential activities across the Electron launch system. Your role will encompass mission design, launch vehicle performance optimisation, and GNC-related launch operations. Additionally, you will spearhead software verification and release through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing, ensuring our missions are reliable and high-performing from the ground up.

This is your opportunity to work at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation—partnering with world-class engineers, leading cross-functional projects, and delivering high-performance software and mission systems that soar.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Own the GNC pipeline – from algorithm design and mission planning to software implementation and post-flight analysis.
• Lead development of flight-critical software including auto-sequences, mission-specific trajectories, and launch performance modelling.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing GNC team, guiding technical direction and career growth.
• Oversee the verification and release of flight software using HITL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing.
• Collaborate across engineering, mission management, and business development to ensure mission success.
• Provide technical feedback on launch vehicle requirements and shape future capabilities.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Electrical, or Software Engineering
• 5+ years’ experience in aerospace/space systems and developing GNC algorithms for launch vehicles
• Deep knowledge of orbital mechanics, rigid body dynamics, and control systems
• Strong skills in Python, MATLAB/SciPy, and experience with simulation and flight software
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex projects under pressure
• Excellent communicator with a passion for mentoring and solving hard problems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in C/C++ development, embedded or high-reliability systems
• Familiarity with Git, cross-functional project delivery, and performance coaching
• A proactive, hands-on mindset and a passion for spaceflight

At Rocket Lab, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, high-impact team driven by purpose. We move fast, we’re ambitious, and we don’t back down from hard challenges. You’ll work in an environment that rewards ownership, encourages experimentation, and builds rockets that fly.

Ready to lead missions into orbit?

Apply now and help shape the future of space technology.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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 (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 .

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 View email address on swooped.co. 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.