About this job

The global leader in small satellite launch, Rocket Lab’s mission is to open access to Space to improve life on Earth. Our teams are nimble, action-oriented, and everyone makes a difference. While other companies talk about it, we do it!

Reporting to the Photon Program Chief Engineer, the Senior ADCS Engineer will work collaboratively with systems, software, and GNC engineers in developing flight algorithms for attitude and orbit control. Specific areas of work include include the development and testing of attitude estimation algorithms, attitude control algorithms, orbit maintenance/control maneuvers, sensor/effector modeling, and testing of flight hardware relating to ADCS.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimation and control algorithms appropriate for real-time use on-orbit.
• Simulate the system in both software-only and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Help develop and maintain the overall software framework for spacecraft modeling and simulation.
• Size sensors/effectors and participate in component trade studies.

Profile

Required Skills

• Expertise in non-linear state estimation, including extended Kalman filters
• Expertise in both linear and non-linear control methods.
• Proficient with C & C++.
• Expertise in Matlab/Simulink.
• Expertise in orbital mechanics and spacecraft rigid body dynamics.

Required Education & Experience

• A Master of Science degree (or greater) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 4+ years of experience developing ADCS or GNC algorithms for spacecraft or other autonomous vehicles.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience with spacecraft ADCS, specifically (as opposed to other types of vehicles).
• Experience with testing of satellite flight hardware.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop test environments.

Additional Information

• Able to travel to New Zealand, if necessary.