Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATION Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions. You'll play 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. As part of the Mission Formulation team, you'll be responsible for conducting trades studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and definition and implementation of detailed designs for Rocket Lab’s launch programs. This team is also primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions for classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles. Success in this position will be measured by the value of the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience that you bring into this role, your ability to contribute to projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the skillful prioritization of competing engineering projects across the group. 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 • Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I: • Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS • Understanding of orbital mechanics and/ or closed-loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles • Experience with trajectory optimization • Proven experience developing real-time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles • Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • Active TS/SCI clearance • Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation • Experience with git version control. • 3+ years’ experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamics systems, particularly rigid bodies • 3+ years’ experience with Python development • 3+ years’ experience with data analysis using MATLAB and/or SciPy • Experience developing in C/C++ • Experience with POST, ASTOS, TAOS or similar mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation tools • Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships • Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving • Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasks This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $196,275—$216,075 USD Base Salary $132,000—$198,000 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 c