Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II

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 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 rockethas 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER II

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II based out of our headquarters in Long Beach CA you will perform tracking navigation maneuver trajectory planning and collision avoidance design and operations for Earth orbiting lunar and interplanetary missions as part of a dynamic team with subject matter experts from Systems Ground Software Electrical Avionics Flight Software Thermal Propulsion and GNC engineering disciplines. You will need to solve complex problems at times under time critical conditions. You will be developing the ground scripting in Python to automate these flight dynamics processes.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

• A Bachelors degree in Aerospace Mechanical Space Systems or Software Engineering or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
• 8 years of work experience in mission design flight dynamics.
• An advanced understanding of orbital mechanics.
• Orbit determination theory.
• Mission analysis with STK Astrogator GMAT Monte Copernicus or equivalent.
• Orbit determination analysis with ODTK Orekit or equivalent.
• Python software development.
• Git version control or an equivalent version control system.
• Jira software project management or equivalent.
• Active DoD US Government Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations : job-related knowledge and skills education and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including : top tier medical HMO PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option dental and vision coverage 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year 11 paid holidays per year flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts paid parental leave disability insurance life insurance and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include : Discounted employee stock purchase program subsidized EV charging stations onsite gym food and drinks and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the companys discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$150000 - $200000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.

Required Experience :

Senior IC

Key Skills

Hotel Reception,General Services,Advocacy,Hibernate,Actuary,Accident Investigation

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 150000 - 200000