GNC Engineer - Neutron
Auckland, Mount Wellington
Competitive salary
Category Engineering Jobs
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.
Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights! WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Neutron is Rocket Lab's new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently in development.
The Neutro n Guidance , Navigation & Control (GNC) t eam has a broad set of responsibilities including : Mission design and trajectory optimisation Embedded GNC algorithms development Simulation including hardware and physics modelling Interacting with all teams, studying and inform vehicle design trades Automated hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test campaigns The Neutron program is seeking a skilled and experienced GNC Engineer to work on the control and guidance algorithms of Neutron. You will get to define and implement innovative algorithms that ensure Neutron deploys payloads to the targeted orbit , and that the first stage reaches its landing site safely and reliably. You will validate your algorithms with thorough analysis, including HITL testing and Monte Carlo simulations .
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/or closed-loop control systems Experience developing in C/C++ 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: A thorough theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid and/or flexible body dynamics, particularly 6DOF rocket dynamics Experience with Git version control Experience working in a continuous integration environment Experience with Simulink Experience in developing models from fundamental principles and validating through test Experience with high reliability systems and processes 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 improv.
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