Senior GNC Engineer

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ELECTRON:

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

SENIOR GNC ENGINEER

In this role you will be responsible for:

Mission design including trajectory design and optimization, auto-sequence planning & design, Monte Carlo analysis, configuration management, and any other mission design, launch operations, verification and validation tasks as required.

GNC system development including writing GNC flight software, developing algorithms and models, analyzing GNC hardware performance, analyzing flight data.

Working with the GNC Team Lead to support and mentor the team.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Trajectory Optimization & Mission Design

Assisting with trajectory optimization/design for launch vehicle orbital missions and suborbital missions (HASTE).

Assisting with auto sequence design (maneuvers, telemetry, ground station contacts), implementation and verification for 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

GNC R&D / Support

Assisting with all areas of GNC development and maintenance for Electron, Neutron and/or other programs including:

Core GNC R&D (Guidance, Navigation, and Control)

Vehicle parameter modelling / prediction and/or configuration control

6DOF simulator design and development

Launch and HITL operations

Health and Safety

Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed

Correct PPE is worn in designated areas

Near misses and incidents are reported promptly

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. in Electronics, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering

5+ years’ experience developing in C/C++ including some embedded or high reliability development

5+ years’ experience developing in Python or MATLAB

The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions

Experience with GMAT, STK, ASTOS and/or POST

Publications in the fields of guidance, navigation, control or other adjacent fields

If the above sounds like you apply now!