Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance

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 to 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.

Space Systems

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft to precision payloads and their components, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. This team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We work with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force to deliver spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Secret Clearance is responsible for leading GNC and ADCS development for Rocket Lab’s growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. The role includes spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test, and vehicle I/T. Planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Software organization, working closely with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software, and directly interacting with customers to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities

• Mentor a team responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, Lunar, Interplanetary, Reentry, and RPOD.
• Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
• Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management.
• Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems.
• Develop and execute test processes.
• Define fault detection and response.
• Perform hardware‑in‑the‑loop and Monte Carlo simulation.
• Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools.
• Support internal and external design reviews.
• Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule, milestones, and report technical status.
• Coordinate with teams in Denver, Colorado and New Zealand.

Qualifications

• B.S. and 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS.
• Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD.
• 2+ years of RPOD design and operations experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience in Jira planning and workflow.
• Prior experience mentoring a team of younger engineers.
• Hands‑on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware.
• Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software.
• Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on‑orbit operations and anomaly resolution.
• Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle.
• Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team.
• Experience with GNC‑related Business Development or conceptual design work.

Work Environment

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Salary and Benefits

Base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Salary is one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package, including:

• Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Three weeks paid vacation and five days sick leave per year.
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
• Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status; please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $170,000 USD – $225,000 USD

What to Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, and we embrace hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. Our culture thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and focuses on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.

Important Information

For candidates seeking to work in U.S. 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, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. ITAR. You may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of an eligible country or have ineligible dual citizenship.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Accommodations

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response may take up to two business days.