Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I, based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California, you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance design and operations for Earth-orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will work with subject matter experts across Systems, Ground Software, Electrical, Avionics, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC engineering disciplines, solving complex problems that may arise under time-critical conditions. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components and subsystems that enable space missions. The team has supported more than 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security and defense initiatives. The role supports trajectory and mission analysis, spacecraft operations, flight dynamics products, simulation tools, and real-time mission operations. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. The listed California base pay range is $132,000–$220,000 USD; level and base salary are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
At least 5 years of experience in mission design and flight dynamics.
Understanding of orbital mechanics and orbit determination theory.
Mission analysis experience with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent.
Python software development experience.
Git version control experience, or an equivalent version control system.
Jira software project management experience, or equivalent.
Active Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
Active TS/SCI clearance.
Monte Carlo numerical simulation experience.
Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent.
Team and/or software project management experience.
Ability to work through 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 the development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure.
Support real-time mission operations, including anomaly response and post-launch data analysis.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA 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.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.