Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II

About the role

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II to join our team in Littleton, CO. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and evaluating trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft, ensuring mission success across a variety of space missions, including Earth orbit and interplanetary endeavors. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including flight software, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), mission operations, and systems engineering, to develop solutions that meet mission requirements and address complex challenges in spaceflight. Your expertise will contribute to the planning, simulation, and execution of space missions, supporting launch campaigns, orbit insertions, rendezvous, and collision avoidance. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of innovative projects in the aerospace industry, working on cutting-edge space systems and contributing to Rocket Lab's mission to make space more accessible.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop, evaluate, and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft, focusing on ascent profiles, orbital maneuvers, and interplanetary trajectories.
• Conduct orbital propagation, mission analysis, and rendezvous planning to support spacecraft operations and mission objectives.
• Assist in mission design activities, including analyzing launch windows, performing delta-V calculations, and assessing mission feasibility.
• Collaborate with flight software and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) teams to improve guidance profiles, navigation algorithms, and control strategies.
• Generate and validate trajectory data products, including tables, plots, and reports, to support mission planning, launch operations, and post-launch analysis.
• Provide flight dynamics support during mission operations, including real-time anomaly investigation, troubleshooting, and post-mission data analysis.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of internal simulation tools, flight dynamics infrastructure, and modeling frameworks.
• Participate in mission reviews, design reviews, and technical meetings, communicating complex trajectory analysis results clearly to stakeholders.
• Support the integration and testing of flight software and hardware related to navigation and guidance systems.
• Assist in the development of procedures and documentation for mission planning, launch operations, and anomaly resolution.
• Stay current with advancements in orbital mechanics, mission analysis techniques, and relevant software tools to continuously improve team capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Systems, or a related field.
• Over 8 years of experience in flight dynamics, mission design, or related aerospace roles.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, spaceflight dynamics, and maneuver planning.
• Proven experience with mission analysis and trajectory design tools such as STK, Astrogator, GMAT, or similar software.
• Proficiency in Python programming for data analysis, automation, and scripting tasks.
• Familiarity with version control systems, especially Git, for managing code and collaboration.
• Knowledge of project management tools like Jira for tracking tasks and issues.
• U.S. citizenship is mandatory due to program requirements and export control regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong communication skills to effectively present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience supporting mission operations, including anomaly investigation and post-launch data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

Nice to have

• A Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Systems, or a related discipline.
• An active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations to assess mission robustness and risk.
• Skills in orbit determination and analysis using tools such as ODTK or Orekit.
• Background in project management, team leadership, or software development processes.
• Familiarity with spacecraft systems, sensors, and hardware related to navigation and guidance.
• Experience working on launch vehicle or spacecraft mission planning in a commercial or government setting.
• Knowledge of space regulations, ITAR compliance, and export control policies.
• Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and rapidly changing priorities.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Python programming language.
• Experience with mission analysis and simulation software such as STK, GMAT, or Astrogator.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git.
• Knowledge of project management tools such as Jira.
• Ability to develop and maintain scripts, automation workflows, and data analysis routines.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, navigation, and guidance algorithms.

Practical notes

U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required for this position due to compliance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations. The expected salary range for this role is between $135,000 and $175,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including stock options, cash incentives, health insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and parental leave. The position is on-site at our Littleton, CO office, and candidates should be prepared to work in a collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates must be able to support mission operations and participate in real-time anomaly resolution when necessary. We value innovation, teamwork, and a passion for advancing space exploration and technology.