Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. We build and launch rockets and satellites that enable scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate research, and national security missions. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components for the James Webb Space Telescope.
About the Role
As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II based in Littleton, CO, you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance design and operations for Earth-orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will work with subject matter experts from Systems, Ground Software, Electrical, Avionics, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC engineering disciplines, solving complex problems often under time-critical conditions.
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
- Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning
- Interface with flight software and GNC teams to validate and optimize guidance profiles
- Generate and deliver trajectory data products and flight dynamics support for mission readiness reviews
- Contribute to development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure
- Support real-time mission operations including anomaly response and post-launch data analysis
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree
- 8+ years of experience in mission design and flight dynamics
- Demonstrated knowledge of orbital mechanics, including spaceflight dynamics, maneuver design, orbit determination, and Kalman filtering
- Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent tools
- Python software development
- Git version control or equivalent version control system
- Jira software project management or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Qualifications You Might Have
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance
- Monte Carlo numerical simulation
- Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent
- Team and/or software project management experience
- Ability to work complex problems under time pressure
- Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with multiple stakeholders
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range (Colorado): $135,000 to $175,000 USD. Final compensation based on individual qualifications and experience. Eligible for company stock, cash incentives, and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Additional Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.