Senior GNC Engineer - Electron

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. ABOUT THE ROLE: Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: An Electron Senior GNC Engineer is a technical leader in the design, implementation, testing, and application of Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems used in the operation and production of the Electron rocket. This includes mission design, algorithm development, trajectory optimization, auto-sequence planning, Monte Carlo analysis, configuration management, launch operations, data analysis, physical systems modelling, and many more. GNC takes pride in delivering 100% mission success, on time. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Technical leadership in all areas of GNC development and maintenance for Electron and HASTE including Core GNC RD (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Vehicle parameter modelling / prediction and/or configuration control 6DOF simulator design and development Launch and HITL operations Trajectory optimization/design for launch vehicle orbital missions. Auto-sequence design (maneuvers, telemetry, ground station contacts), implementation and verification for orbital flight, stack tests and wet dress rehearsals Analysis and missionization of optimized 3DOF trajectories for implementation in 6DOF and flight scenarios Monte-Carlo analysis pre-flight, launch day and post-flight analysis Design and verification of spacecraft separation sequences and dynamics YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s, bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent qualification Minimum of 8 years of experience in relevant field Experience developing in C/C++ Experience developing in Python or MATLAB A thorough theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid and/or flexible body dynamics, particularly 6DOF rocket dynamics Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed-loop control systems Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with flight simulator or flight software development for UAVs, rockets, or spacecraft Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft dynamics and modelling Experience in developing models from fundamental principles and validating through test Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions Experience working in a continuous integration environment Experience with Simulink WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Eart ... (truncated, view full listing at source)