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 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.

Rocket Lab Space Systems is redefining what’s possible in space. From launching the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program to becoming only the second company to successfully complete orbital reentry - enabling microgravity manufacturing - we’re pushing boundaries. Next up: Mars. We are designing and building spacecraft for groundbreaking science missions with NASA and UC Berkeley.

We manufacture everything from single bespoke satellites for complex missions to full constellations, and our vertical integration, designing and building critical satellite components in-house- lets us move fast, innovate continuously, and solve challenges no one else can. Our Space Systems team tackles the impossible, and we’re just getting started. This role is a rare opportunity to join a growing team of talented, dedicated people, collaborating to reshape what’s possible - together.

The Role:

As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will be responsible for:

• Mission design and trajectory analysis

• Flight dynamics operations

• Software development for mission analysis and flight dynamics suites

You will join an operations team built around the 2022 CAPSTONE mission to the Moon, with five spacecraft missions completed and an exciting lineup of upcoming missions, including:

• Three re-entry missions for Varda Space Industries

• ESCAPADE mission to Mars for NASA and UC Berkeley

• LOXSAT cryogenic propellant experiment for NASA

• Lightning telecommunications constellation for GlobalStar

• Victus Haze rapid response rendezvous and proximity operations mission for the USSF

• Privately funded interplanetary mission to Venus

As a Flight Dynamics Operator, you’ll perform tracking, navigation, maneuver design, and collision avoidance within Mission Control, working closely with experts from Command & Control (C2), Space Ops Software (SOPS), Electrical, EECOM, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC. You’ll solve complex problems, often under time-critical conditions.

Beyond Operations:

You’ll support development and testing of Rocket Lab’s next-generation mission analysis and flight dynamics software, contributing to:

• Strategy for short-, medium-, and long-term development objectives

• Coordinating efforts across flight dynamics engineers using Jira sprint planning and milestone ownership

• Communicating interfaces, timelines, and blockers with other teams

These software suites support current missions and enable future LEO, cislunar, and interplanetary capabilities. At Rocket Lab, your decisions matter.

Requirements:

• 3+ years in spacecraft operations, mission design, or GNC.

• Bachelor’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, Software Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.

• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics and trajectory design (STK or GMAT).

• Python programming and experience with modern software practices (Git, CI, Jira).

• Familiarity with Orbit Determination, Monte Carlo simulations, and 3DOF propagator development for LEO, lunar, or interplanetary trajectories.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to solve complex problems under time-critical conditions.

Apply now and start your journey with Rocket Lab!

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.