Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer/Lead

7 days ago


Long Beach, California, United States Rocket Lab Full time
About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, providing reliable access to orbit since 2018. Our Electron rocket has become one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world, and our Neutron rocket is set to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes a range of satellites and components that have enabled over 1,700 missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, and Mars Ingenuity helicopter.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer/Lead to join our team in Long Beach. As a key member of our Space Systems team, you will be responsible for leading GNC and ADCS development for our growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software, to ensure mission success.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions.
  • Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
  • Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management.
  • GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design.
  • Test process development and execution.
  • Define fault detection and response.
  • Hardware-in-the-loop and monte carlo simulation.
  • Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline.
  • 10+ years' experience with C++ or similar object-oriented programming language.
  • 3+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellites.
  • Knowledge of GNC sensors and actuators.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar.
  • Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports.
  • Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors.


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