Team Lead - Electron GNC - Zealand

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

Long Beach, CA

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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/Sci Py, 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

• 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.