GNC Engineer I - Electron

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

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 ...

In this role you will be responsible for general 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.

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

Master’s, bachelor’s or higher degree in Aerospace, Mechatronics or equivalent qualification 
A thorough fundamental understanding of orbital mechanics
A good theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid body dynamics
1-2 years of experience developing software
1-2 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience (including rocketry experience) 
Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions 
Experience with Python or MATLAB
Experience with GMAT or STK
Experience in development/implementation of a basic 3DOF propagator for LEO, lunar, or interplanetary trajectory from fundamental equations of motion