Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I

About the role

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. This role sits within the Space Systems business, which has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives. You will join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space. The position is based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, and reports into a dynamic team with subject matter experts from Systems, Ground Software, Electrical, Avionics, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC engineering disciplines.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers.

Perform orbital propagation, rendezvous planning, and station-keeping analysis for spacecraft operations across diverse mission profiles.

Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning for complex operational scenarios.

Interface with flight software and GNC teams to validate and optimize guidance profiles to ensure mission objectives are met efficiently.

Generate and deliver trajectory data products and flight dynamics support for mission readiness reviews and stakeholder decision points.

Contribute to development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure that enhance analysis capabilities and process maturity.

Support real-time mission operations including anomaly response and post-launch data analysis to ensure mission success.

Participate in cross-functional design reviews and technical discussions that shape system-level requirements and flight dynamics integration.

Perform detailed analysis of orbital perturbations, coverage, and visibility to support sustained spacecraft operations.

Evaluate mission performance using high-fidelity modeling and ground test data to refine predictions and improve accuracy.

Collaborate with external partners and mission stakeholders to align trajectory designs with program requirements and constraints.

Assist in the development and verification of algorithms related to orbit determination, maneuver execution, and collision avoidance.

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers by reviewing work products and guiding analysis approaches.

Support the development and execution of test cases and verification activities for flight dynamics models and software components.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.

5+ years of experience in mission design, flight dynamics, and trajectory analysis in a professional environment.

Demonstrated knowledge of orbital mechanics, including spaceflight dynamics, maneuver design, orbit determination, and Kalman filtering.

Mission analysis experience including delta-V budgeting, launch window determination, and coverage analysis for space-based assets.

Proven ability to use analytical and numerical methods to solve complex flight dynamics problems under time-critical conditions.

Experience with trajectory simulation tools, orbit propagation software, and data analysis packages relevant to space missions.

Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey technical concepts to both engineering teams and mission stakeholders.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers from diverse technical disciplines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.

Willingness to travel as required for project meetings, reviews, and mission support activities as defined by program needs.

U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR and other export control regulations.

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance at the appropriate level as determined by Rocket Lab policies.

Nice to have

Experience with satellite operations, mission planning software, and spaceflight dynamics analysis tools.

Familiarity with launch vehicle design, integration, and mission assurance processes.

Understanding of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) principles as applied to space systems.

Knowledge of space environment effects, including radiation, atomic oxygen, and debris mitigation considerations.

Experience supporting flight software testing and verification activities related to trajectory and navigation functions.

Practical notes

Employees in the United States positions are eligible for 401k after 3 months of employment and benefits after 6 months of employment.

Positions in the United States are eligible for paid time off and paid holidays per Rocket Lab policy.

This position may require travel within the United States and internationally as needed for project requirements.

U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

This position requires the successful completion of a drug screening.

All candidates must provide documentation confirming eligibility to work in the United States.

This position is subject to Rocket Lab policies and procedures as determined by Rocket Lab at its sole discretion.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities; duties and responsibilities may change, and Rocket Lab reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as business needs arise.