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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 (GNC) and attitude determination and control system (ADCS) development for their diverse spacecraft portfolio. You'll own the full engineering lifecycle from concept through on-orbit operations, collaborating across flight software, avionics, systems, and mission operations teams while interfacing directly with aerospace customers.

What you'll do

  • Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products for GNC systems
  • Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management and operations
  • Select GNC components and design subsystems including integration and testing
  • Define fault detection and response strategies; conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
  • Plan development schedules, maintain milestones, and report technical status across multiple programs
  • Coordinate with distributed teams in Denver and New Zealand; support design reviews and customer interactions

What they're looking for

  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system design and analysis
  • Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS)
  • Spacecraft flight software development and verification
  • Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and Monte Carlo analysis
  • GNC sensor integration (IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes)
  • Fault detection and autonomous response design
  • Project planning and cross-functional team coordination
  • Aerospace customer interface and requirements management

Benefits

  • Competitive base pay
  • Company stock equity
  • Work on missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond
  • Exposure to cutting-edge space technology and systems
  • Collaborative environment across global teams
  • Involvement in national security and commercial space initiatives
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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 a GNC algorithm or subsystem design you've led from concept to flight—what were the key challenges and how did you validate performance?
  • Describe your experience interfacing with aerospace customers. How have you managed competing requirements or technical disagreements?
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