GNC Engineer - Electron

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 rockethas 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.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. Youll work alongside driven talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design analysis prototyping testing manufacturing assembly and integration quality control engineering documentation and more.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

The Electron GNC Engineer is responsible for the design implementation testing and application of Guidance Navigation and Control systems used in the operation and production of the Electron rocket. This may include mission design algorithm development trajectory optimization auto-sequence planning Monte Carlo analysis configuration management launch operations data analysis physical systems modelling and many more.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting with trajectory optimization/design for launch vehicle orbital missions.
• Assisting with auto sequence design (maneuvers telemetry ground station contacts) implementation and verification for orbital 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
• Assisting with all areas of GNC development and maintenance for Electron Neutron and/or other programmes 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters bachelors degree or higher in Electrical Mechanical Software Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent qualification
• Experience developing in C/C
• Experience developing in Python or MATLAB
• A thorough theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid and/or flexible body dynamics particularly 6DOF rocket dynamics
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed-loop control systems
• Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with flight simulator or flight software development for UAVs rockets or spacecraft
• Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft dynamics and modelling
• Experience in developing models from fundamental principles and validating through test
• Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions
• Experience working in a continuous integration environment
• Experience with Simulink

If the above sounds like youapply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.