Team Lead - Electron GNC - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided) jobs in United States
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Rocket Lab · 3 months ago

Team Lead - Electron GNC - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)

positionLong Beach, CA
timeFull-time
remoteOnsite
senioritySenior Level
date5+ years exp

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company focused on delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. As the Team Lead - Electron GNC, you will drive mission success by coordinating activities across the Electron launch system, focusing on mission design, launch vehicle performance optimisation, and software verification.

AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
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H1B Sponsor Likelynote

Responsibilities

Own the GNC pipeline – from algorithm design and mission planning to software implementation and post-flight analysis
Lead development of flight-critical software including auto-sequences, mission-specific trajectories, and launch performance modelling
Manage and mentor a high-performing GNC team, guiding technical direction and career growth
Oversee the verification and release of flight software using HITL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing
Collaborate across engineering, mission management, and business development to ensure mission success
Provide technical feedback on launch vehicle requirements and shape future capabilities

Qualification

GNC algorithmsOrbital mechanicsPythonMATLAB/SciPyC/C++ developmentEmbedded systemsLeadershipCommunicationMentoringProblem-solving

Required

A Master's or PhD in Aerospace, Electrical, or Software Engineering
5+ years' experience in aerospace/space systems and developing GNC algorithms for launch vehicles
Deep knowledge of orbital mechanics, rigid body dynamics, and control systems
Strong skills in Python, MATLAB/SciPy, and experience with simulation and flight software
Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex projects under pressure
Excellent communicator with a passion for mentoring and solving hard problems

Preferred

Experience in C/C++ development, embedded or high-reliability systems
Familiarity with Git, cross-functional project delivery, and performance coaching
A proactive, hands-on mindset and a passion for spaceflight

Company

Rocket Lab

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Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
dateFounded in 2006
location
Long Beach, California, USA
people-size1001-5000 employees
web-link
https://rocketlabcorp.com

H1B Sponsorship

Rocket Lab has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (2)
2023 (2)

Funding

Current Stage
Public Company
Total Funding
$1.98B
Key Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M

Leadership Team

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Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
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Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
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Recent News

MarketWatch
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GlobeNewswire
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The Motley Fool
Why Rocket Lab Stock Surged 173.9% Last Year and Has Kept Rallying in 2026
2026-01-18
Company data provided by crunchbase