Flight Analysis Engineer I

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 rocket has 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.

At Rocket Lab, we don’t just launch rockets—we launch possibilities. From reliable access to orbit with Electron, to the development of the reusable Neutron, we’re redefining the future of space exploration. Now, we’re looking for a Flight Analysis Engineer I to join our team and help us take our missions to new heights.

This is your chance to work on cutting-edge technology, solve complex problems, and contribute to missions that shape the future of humanity’s presence in space.

As a Flight Analyst Engineer I you will be responsible for mission analysis, flight safety analysis, new vehicle analysis, and supporting recovery operations. You will interface with other departments within Rocket Lab as well as external agencies.

The scope of the flight analysis team includes developing methods, software tools, data packages and technical reports for flight safety, launch availability and on-orbit operations to support Electron mission operations and Neutron development.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Develop flight analysis methods, tools, and simulations for launch vehicle trajectory, debris modeling, re-entry analysis, and mission risk.

• Build and maintain in-house tools using programming languages like Python and C++.

• Process and analyze large data sets, leveraging statistical models and parallel computing.

• Support launch operations, including safety integration, test activities, and on-console operations.

• Prepare detailed documentation, including flight safety data packages, licensing documents, and standard operating procedures.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or equivalent qualification.

• Strong programming skills, with experience in Python and C++.

• 2+ years of experience in engineering analysis, numerical modeling, simulation, or statistics.

• A solid understanding of launch vehicle flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and GNC.

• Familiarity with configuration management, version control, and technical writing (LaTeX experience is a plus).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience generating flight safety data packages, compliance matrices, and analysis reports.

• Familiarity with launch vehicle flight safety programs.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.

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 [email protected] 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.