GNC Engineer – Neutron Mission Design

About The Role

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!

NEUTRON

Neutron is Rocket Lab’s new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently in development. The Neutron GNC team is responsible for the entire GNC lifecycle of the vehicle from the R&D phase through to mission-specific support beyond Neutron's first flight. This work broadly falls into two categories : i) Algorithm Development; and ii) Mission Design & Performance. We are seeking a Lead GNC Engineer to play a role in Neutron's Mission Design & Performance projects. This role is primarily technical, but with a strong dimension of day-to-day work prioritization, organization and stakeholder communication, ultimately enabling team output.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO :

The Neutron Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) team has a broad set of responsibilities, including mission design and trajectory optimization, performance analysis for business development, embedded GNC algorithms development, and simulation involving hardware and physics modeling. The team also interacts with various departments to study and inform vehicle design trades and supports day-of-launch operations.

We are seeking an experienced GNC mission design engineer whose main responsibilities include trajectory optimization, tracking and validating customer requirements, and mission definition. This involves planning maneuvers, vehicle sequencing, ground station contacts, and observation passes while respecting all vehicle capability constraints. Additionally, you will conduct Monte-Carlo analysis, support day-of-launch operations, and perform post-flight data analysis.

Key Responsibilities :

• Mission design and trajectory optimization
• Performance analysis for business development
• Embedded GNC algorithms development
• Simulation including hardware and physics modeling
• Interacting with all teams to inform vehicle design trades
• Day-of-launch operations and post-flight data analysis

Depending on the candidate abilities and experience, additional responsibilities could include :

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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 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.

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