Flight Dynamics Engineer II

Flight Dynamics Engineer II

Based out of Rocket Lab's 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.

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

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

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

2+ years of experience in mission design, flight dynamics.

Understanding of orbital mechanics, Orbit determination theory.

Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent.

Python software development.

Git version control, or an equivalent version control system.

Jira software project management or equivalent.

Active Secret clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one

U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.

Active 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 a range of stakeholders.

Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods

Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed

Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision

Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed

Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

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 company's discretion.

$100,000 - $135,000 USD

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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.