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Rocket Lab Corporation

Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

Long Beach, CAFrom $140kmidAdded today

About this role

Rocket Lab seeks a Spacecraft GNC Engineer II to lead guidance, navigation, and control development for their diverse spacecraft fleet. You'll own the complete engineering lifecycle from algorithm design through flight testing, working across distributed teams to deliver autonomous systems for NASA, military, and commercial space missions.

What you'll do

  • Design flight software, algorithms, and GNC simulations for spacecraft attitude control systems
  • Develop spacecraft autonomy tools and constellation management capabilities
  • Select GNC components and design subsystem architecture and requirements
  • Execute hardware-in-the-loop testing, Monte Carlo simulations, and fault detection strategies
  • Lead design reviews and coordinate cross-functional integration with avionics, flight software, and mission operations teams
  • Plan schedules and report technical status across distributed teams in Long Beach, Denver, and New Zealand

What they're looking for

  • GNC/ADCS design and implementation (2+ years required)
  • Flight software development and verification
  • Spacecraft autonomy and constellation management
  • Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
  • IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, and sensor fusion
  • Requirements development and subsystem integration & test
  • Customer interface and aerospace program management
  • Jira and technical project planning

Benefits

  • Work on NASA lunar and Mars missions
  • Access to cutting-edge spacecraft and payload technologies
  • Global coordination with teams across multiple locations
  • Opportunity to mentor younger engineers
  • Involvement in national security and commercial space initiatives
  • Support for advanced degrees (MS/PhD preferred)
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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 most complex GNC algorithm design—what was the challenge and how did you verify it worked in flight?
  • Describe your experience interfacing directly with aerospace customers. How did you handle conflicting requirements?
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