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, 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.
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. 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.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$125,000 - $161,000 USD
Base Salary
$115,000 - $145,000 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.
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.