GNC Engineer II - Neutron Mission Design & Tooling

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. 

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Neutron is Rocket Lab’s new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently in development. The Neutron Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) team has a broad set of responsibilities including: 

• Mission design and trajectory optimization
• Performance analysis for business development
• Embedded GNC algorithms development
• Simulation including hardware and physics modelling
• Interacting with all teams, studying and inform vehicle design trades
• Day of Launch operations

The Neutron program is seeking a skilled and experienced GNC Engineer – Mission Design & Tooling, whose main responsibilities will be:

• Trajectory optimization
• Tracking and validating customer requirements
• Mission definition including manoeuvres vehicle sequencing, ground station contracts, observation passes, while respecting all vehicle capability constraints
• Monte-Carlo analysis, Day of Launch operations and post flight data analysis
• You will also be respondible for developing software tooling to support the following:
  • Development and automation to improve mission design effectiveness and efficiency
  • Vehicle configuration management integration within the GNC workflow to ensure vehicle performance

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor, Master or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent qualification
• Experience with dynamics and modelling of either launch vehicle, spacecraft, aircraft or robotics
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and 3DOF rocket dynamics
• Experience with trajectory design and optimization for spacecrafts or launch vehicles
• Software programming experience, preferably in Python
• 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 GMAT, STK or ASTOS
• Experience with Git version control
• Experience working in a continuous integration environment
• Experience with flight simulator or flight software development for UAVs, rockets, or spacecraft

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.