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Rocket Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Lab

Senior Syteline Developer I

Littleton, CO · On-site

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior Syteline Developer will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Enterprise ...

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Rocket information

See Colorado salary details

$43.6K

$85.3K

$183K

How much do rocket jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket in Colorado is $85,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by rocket engineers during the launch preparation phase?

Rocket engineers often encounter challenges related to tight deadlines, rigorous safety protocols, and the need for precise coordination among multidisciplinary teams. During launch preparation, they must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues, ensure all systems are integrated correctly, and conduct thorough testing under strict regulatory standards. Effective communication with propulsion, avionics, and ground support teams is essential to address last-minute changes and maintain the launch schedule. This high-stakes environment requires adaptability, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rocket engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rocket Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB, and experience with propulsion systems or structural analysis are commonly required, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for innovating and ensuring safety. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable rockets, overcoming complex engineering challenges, and ensuring mission success in the aerospace industry.

What is a rocket engineer?

Rocket engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain rockets and other spacecraft. They work on propulsion systems, structural components, guidance systems, and safety measures to ensure rockets can safely deliver payloads into space. Rocket engineers often have backgrounds in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges in spaceflight. Their work is essential for space exploration, satellite deployment, and scientific research.

What is the difference between Rocket vs Drone Operator?

AspectRocketDrone Operator
Required CertificationsFAA Part 107 (for commercial use), specialized trainingFAA Part 107, remote pilot certificate, drone-specific training
Work EnvironmentLaunch sites, laboratories, outdoor testing areasIndoor studios, outdoor fields, various locations depending on assignments
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, space explorationMedia, agriculture, real estate, inspection services

Both Rocket and Drone Operator roles require FAA certifications and specialized training. Rockets are used mainly in aerospace and defense sectors, involving launch sites and testing facilities. Drone Operators work across diverse industries like media and agriculture, often in outdoor or indoor environments. While both involve remote piloting, their applications and work settings differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Rocket jobs in Colorado? For Rocket jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rocket jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Rocket jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Rocket jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Rocket job openings:
Rocket jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,330 per year, or $41 per hour.

Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab Corporation

Littleton, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

GNC ENGINEER II/ SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, the GNC Engineer II/ Senior GNC Engineer I - 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 SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ 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 andsimulationtools 
  • 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.

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