Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
Based in Long Beach, CA, you will lead GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab's growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will work across the full engineering lifecycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration and test, and vehicle integration and test. You will plan and maintain development schedules, work closely with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams, and directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
What You'll Do
- Mentor a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD missions
- Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products
- Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
- Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems
- Develop and execute test processes
- Define fault detection and response strategies
- Perform hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
- Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
- Support internal and external design reviews
- Work with department leads and program managers to plan team schedule, milestones, and report technical status
- Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand
Required Qualifications
- B.S. and 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
- Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI
- Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Desired Qualifications
- MS or PhD
- 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Experience with Jira planning and workflow
- Prior experience mentoring a team of younger engineers
- Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
- Experience developing blended attitude solutions from multiple sensor data
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
- Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
- Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle
- Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining team priorities
- Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work
Compensation
Base Salary: $195,000 to $295,000 USD
Total Compensation (base and equity): $247,000 to $376,000 USD
You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, top-tier medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.