Tucson, AZ On-site Employment

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior/Principal Controls Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance

About the Role

The role involves leading the development and validation of control systems for launch vehicles, from concept through flight operations, with a focus on guidance, navigation, and control algorithms.

Responsibilities

Design control systems for launch vehicles from initial concept to flight certification
Develop and simulate dynamic models of vehicle behavior during atmospheric and exo-atmospheric flight
Create and implement guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms
Support hardware-in-the-loop and flight simulations
Analyze flight data to validate control system performance
Troubleshoot and resolve control system anomalies during testing and flight
Collaborate with structural, propulsion, and avionics teams to ensure system integration
Lead GNC trade studies for vehicle configuration and performance optimization
Develop test plans and procedures for ground and flight verification
Support launch operations and real-time mission support
Ensure compliance with safety and mission assurance standards
Document designs, analyses, and test results for review and certification
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership
Work with cross-functional teams to resolve integration challenges
Evaluate new technologies and methods for control system improvement
Participate in design and program reviews
Maintain awareness of regulatory and range requirements
Apply control theory to solve complex dynamic problems
Develop automated tools for simulation and data analysis
Ensure designs meet reliability and robustness requirements

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

Work Arrangement

Hybrid work environment with on-site requirements for testing and operations

Team

Part of a multidisciplinary engineering team focused on launch vehicle development and mission success

Security Requirement

Applicant must hold an active U.S. Secret clearance and be eligible to maintain access to classified information throughout employment

Location

Position based in Huntington Beach, California, with potential travel to test and launch sites

Not available for this position

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About company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management.

As a global leader in launch and space systems, we are transforming the way we access and use space. Our capabilities span the space economy, including satellite design and manufacture, space software and components, and reliable launch services.

We started with small launch, pioneering an industry-defining launch vehicle, Electron, now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket. But we haven’t stopped at small satellite launch. Right now, we’re developing the next generation large launch vehicle, Neutron, to launch the constellations and large spacecraft missions of the future that will provide vital data and services to Earth.

Rocket Lab is a premier supplier of flight-proven satellites, subsystems and spacecraft components. The company’s extensive line of small and medium class spacecraft platforms support a wide range of mission profiles for the commercial, civil and defense markets. At a component level, Rocket Lab spacecraft technology spans space solar power, advanced composite structures, flight software, star trackers, reaction wheels, separation systems, and radios.

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Job Details

Department Space Systems

Category other

Posted 3 hours ago