Gnc Engineer Ii - Mission Design & Tooling

OverviewRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – with the goal of opening access space.

Our rockets and satellites enable ambitious space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit.

We are developing Neutron, a large, reusable launch vehicle for constellation deployment, and a Space Systems business that designs satellites and spacecraft components for NASA missions and the James Webb Space Telescope.Rocket Lab's Neutron program is in development and seeks to bring the new large rocket and its launch and test sites to life in the United States, including designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, firing Archimedes engines, and setting up launch pads and test sites.ResponsibilitiesTrajectory design and optimizationPerformance analysis for business developmentEmbedded GNC algorithms developmentSimulation including hardware and physics modellingInteracting with all teams, studying and informing vehicle design tradesDay of Launch operationsThe Neutron program is seeking a skilled and experienced GNC Engineer – Mission Design & Tooling, whose main responsibilities will be : Trajectory optimizationTracking and validating customer requirementsMission definition including manoeuvres, vehicle sequencing, ground station contracts, observation passes, while respecting all vehicle capability constraintsMonte-Carlo analysis, Day of Launch operations and post flight data analysisDeveloping software tooling to support the following : development and automation to improve mission design effectiveness and efficiency; vehicle configuration management integration within the GNC workflow to ensure vehicle performanceQualificationsBachelor, Master or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent qualificationExperience with dynamics and modelling of launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft or roboticsUnderstanding of orbital mechanics and 3DOF rocket dynamicsExperience with trajectory design and optimization for spacecraft or launch vehiclesSoftware programming experience, preferably in PythonAbility to work under pressure and to tight deadlinesExcellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationshipsNice to haveExperience with GMAT, STK or ASTOSExperience with Git version controlExperience working in a continuous integration environmentExperience with flight simulator or flight software development for UAVs, rockets, or spacecraftWhat to ExpectWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth.

It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible.

We value collaboration, accountability, and a proactive approach to delivering high-quality results under pressure and tight deadlines.Important InformationFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY : To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Learn more about ITAR here.Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application / interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at

This resource is intended to assist job seekers with disabilities.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY : For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers.

You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.

You may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of certain countries or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship.

More information on ITAR regulations is available.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionEngineering and Information TechnologyIndustriesAviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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