Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Engineering
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Systems Engineer, Robotics, Electrical Engineering
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.
SPACESYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SPACECRAFTGUIDANCE NAVIGATION AND CONTROL (GNC) ENGINEER I/II
Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, the Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II is responsible for supporting GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab’s growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T.
You will be responsible for executing to the development schedule to support the Space Systems Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
- Be part of a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD
- Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
- Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
- GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
- Test process development and execution
- Define fault detection and response
- Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
- Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
- Support internal and external design reviews
- Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand
- BS with relevant coursework in spacecraft GNC/ADCS topics
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- BS and 2+ years of relevant work experience in spacecraft GNC/ADCS
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- MS or PhD
- Industry experience in spacecraft GNC/ADCS
- Experience in C++, Python, and Matlab/Simulink
- Experience in Jira planning and workflow
- Knowledge of IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
- Knowledge of Kalman filtering and other estimation techniques
- Knowledge of control design techniques and linear stability analysis
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
- Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
- Must be physically…
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