Flight Dynamics Engineer I/II
About The Position
As a Flight Dynamics Engineer I/II based out of 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! (Please note: This position can be hired at the Flight Dynamics Engineer I or Flight Dynamics Engineer II level.)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
- 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.
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
- Active DoD US Government Secret Security Clearance or, ability to obtain and maintain one
- 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.
- You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.
- Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
