ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rocket Lab Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Lab Corporation

GNC Engineer II

Littleton, CO · On-site

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 ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

GNC Engineer II

Littleton, CO · On-site

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 ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

GNC Engineer II

Littleton, CO · On-site

GNC ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Littleton, CO, the GNC Engineer II-Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRocket Lab JobsRocket Lab Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Rocket Lab information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$13

$23

$35

How much do rocket lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for rocket lab in Highlands Ranch, CO is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rocket Lab job?

A Rocket Lab job refers to a position at Rocket Lab, a private aerospace company specializing in small satellite launch services. Employees work in various fields, including engineering, manufacturing, software development, and mission operations. Roles at Rocket Lab support the development of innovative space technologies, such as the Electron rocket and Photon satellite platform. The company offers opportunities for professionals passionate about advancing space access and exploration.

What opportunities for career advancement are available at Rocket Lab?

Rocket Lab is known for offering diverse career growth paths, including advancement from entry-level engineering roles to specialized technical or management positions. Employees may take on increased responsibilities in areas such as launch operations, research and development, or mission management as they gain experience. The company fosters internal mobility through mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. This collaborative, team-oriented environment supports skill development and provides clear routes for progression for dedicated professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rocket Lab position, and why are they important?

To thrive at Rocket Lab, candidates typically need a solid background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, along with experience in spacecraft or rocket systems. Familiarity with CAD software, test equipment, and possibly certifications in project management or safety protocols like OSHA can be advantageous. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this fast-paced, innovative environment. These skills are critical for ensuring mission success, operational safety, and continuous improvement in rocket design and launch processes.

Is Rocket Lab good to work for?

Rocket Lab offers roles in aerospace and engineering, often requiring technical skills and safety training. Employees generally report a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth, though work can involve high-pressure projects and strict deadlines.
What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Rocket Lab jobs? Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Rocket Lab job openings:
Rocket Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Lab job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,189 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

GNC Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Littleton, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

GNC ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Littleton, CO, the GNC Engineer II-Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions. You'll play an integral part of Rocket Lab's Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team, which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life.

As part of the Mission Formulation team, you'll be responsible for conducting trades studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and definition and implementation of detailed designs for Rocket Lab's launch programs. This team is also primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions for classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles.

Success in this position will be measured by the value of the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience that you bring into this role, your ability to contribute to projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the skillful prioritization of competing engineering projects across the group.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • GNC contact to Business Development for proposals and mission definition
  • Launch and mission operational concept development
  • Orbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysis
  • Work with external stakeholders and customers for mission-specific requirements engineering
  • Document proposed GNC solutions and participate in design reviews with customers
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing to verify trajectories, GNC, and flight code performance
  • Conduct Monte Carlo simulation analyses to define and verify launch and mission operations
  • Develop and support release of flight code for pre-launch ground testing, launch, and mission operations
  • Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS GNC ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and/ or closed-loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles
  • Experience with trajectory optimization
  • Proven experience developing real-time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles
  • Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
  • Experience with git version control.
  • 3+ years' experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamics systems, particularly rigid bodies
  • 3+ years' experience with Python development
  • 3+ years' experience with data analysis using MATLAB and/or SciPy
  • Experience developing in C/C++
  • Experience with POST, ASTOS, TAOS or similar mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation tools
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
  • Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving
  • Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasks

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)
$115,000—$144,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US 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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

What Rocket Lab employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom