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Full-Time

GNC Engineer II

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$85k - $130kAnnually

+ Company Stock + Cash Incentives + Employee Stock Purchase Program + Medical Insurance + Dental Insurance + Vision Insurance + 401(k) Retirement Plan + Paid Vacation + Paid Holidays + Paid Sick Leave + Paid Parental Leave + Discounts and Perks

Junior, Mid

Denver, CO, USA

Based out of Rocket Lab’s office in Denver, CO.

US Citizenship Required

Category
Flight Dynamics
Research & Development
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
Git
MATLAB
Linux/Unix
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)
  • 2+ years experience working in an engineering role
  • Experience with numerical modelling & simulation, probability & statistics, multi-physics, and/or similar fields of analysis
  • Fundamental knowledge of atmospheric flight, flight dynamics, and/or orbital mechanics
  • Experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamic systems, particularly rigid bodies
  • Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
  • Experience with data analysis using MATLAB, SciPy, or similar
  • Experience with Git version control (e.g., git, github, gitlab)
  • Experience developing in C/C++ and/or Linux
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance
Responsibilities
  • 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
  • Conduct flight safety analyses prior to launch and provide related day-of-launch support
  • Verify readiness of AFTS (Autonomous Flight Termination System) hardware and software
  • Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.5B

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

13%

1 year growth

33%

2 year growth

79%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $70 million investment and creation of 100 new jobs, indicates strong growth and job opportunities.
  • Significant investments from firms like Verus Capital Partners and Susquehanna Fundamental Investments reflect strong market confidence in Rocket Lab's future.
  • Government funding, including $41 million from the Chips Act and $44 million from New Mexico, bolsters Rocket Lab's financial stability and capacity for innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape of the space industry, with major players like SpaceX, could pressure Rocket Lab to continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
  • Delays or failures in the development of the Neutron launch vehicle could impact Rocket Lab's ability to capture larger payload markets.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, showcasing a proven track record of reliability and success.
  • The company's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected for high-profile NASA missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Rocket Lab's dual launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia provide operational flexibility and increased launch frequency, a strategic advantage over competitors with fewer launch sites.