GNC Engineer II @ Rocket Lab USA

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

GNC ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the GNC Engineer II - Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions. The GNC Engineer II is also responsible for conducting trade studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and definition and implementation of detailed designs for Rocket Lab launch programs.

The GNC Engineer II is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions of classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A GNC ENGINEER II:

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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Active TS/SCI clearance
Advanced degree in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)
Experience with ASTOS or similar mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation tools
Experience developing real-time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles
Experience with software and hardware-in-the-loop testing (HITL) and related systems
Experience with FAA regulations, processes and means of compliance methods for Flight Safety (CFR part 417 and/or part 450)
Experience with Autonomous Flight Termination Systems (AFTS) and associated flight rules design
Experience developing 3DOF atmospheric propagators
Familiarity with collision avoidance for space safety
Experience with Python scripting development
Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving
Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to complete higher level tasks
Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
Experience working on fast-paced design and development projects

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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 able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$90,000—$140,000 USD

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 [email protected].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.

GNC Engineer II

Rocket Lab USA

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