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Rocket Lab Corporation

Spacecraft GNC Engineer I/II

Littleton, COFrom $130kmidAdded today

About this role

Rocket Lab seeks a Spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) Engineer to design and develop autonomous spacecraft control systems for a diverse fleet of satellites and deep-space missions. You'll lead the full engineering lifecycle from algorithm development through flight software implementation, integration, and testing while collaborating with cross-functional teams and customers.

What you'll do

  • Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products for GNC/ADCS systems
  • Develop spacecraft autonomy tools and algorithms for constellation management
  • Select GNC components and design subsystem architectures
  • Plan and execute test processes including hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
  • Define fault detection, isolation, and response strategies
  • Coordinate with systems, avionics, flight software, and mission operations teams across multiple sites

What they're looking for

  • GNC/ADCS design and development
  • Flight software architecture and implementation
  • Spacecraft attitude determination and control
  • Simulation and modeling (hardware-in-the-loop, Monte Carlo)
  • Systems integration and test processes
  • Technical communication with customers and stakeholders
  • Project scheduling and milestone tracking
  • RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, Docking) design (nice-to-have)

Benefits

  • Work on NASA missions to the Moon and Mars
  • Contribute to commercial and national security space initiatives
  • Collaborate with world-class aerospace engineering teams
  • Access to cutting-edge spacecraft and launch vehicle programs
  • Multi-site collaboration with teams in California and New Zealand
  • Opportunity to mentor junior engineers (Engineer II level)
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Rocket Lab Corporation

Rocket Lab builds spacecraft and satellites that it launches on its own rockets, developing the avionics, flight software, and ground systems needed to operate these vehicles in orbit. The company is hiring software engineers, test automation specialists, and spacecraft operations engineers to develop embedded flight software, design testing systems, and manage satellite fleet health across commercial and government missions.

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Likely interview questions

  • Walk us through your experience developing GNC algorithms and how you validated them—what simulation tools did you use?
  • Tell us about a time you interfaced directly with an aerospace customer; how did you handle their requirements?
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