Trajectory Design and Flight Dynamics Engineer II

Flight Dynamics Engineer II job at Rocket Lab USA. Littleton, CO.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.

Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER II

As a Flight Dynamics Engineer based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, 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.

Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS - FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER II:

• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
• 2+ 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 release and version control.
• Jira software project management or equivalent.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Ability to work complex problems under time pressure.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with a range of stakeholders.
• Monte Carlo
• Continuous integration practices.
• Team and/or software project management experience.
• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,…