Rocket Lab
Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I
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. As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I based at 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. You will be developing the ground scripting in Python to automate these flight dynamics processes. You'll Bring These Qualifications: U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements. A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree. 5+ years of work experience in mission design, flight dynamics. An advanced understanding of orbital mechanics. Orbit determination theory. Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent. Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent. Python software development. Git version control, or an equivalent version control system. Jira software project management or equivalent. These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field. Monte Carlo numerical simulation. Continuous integration practices. 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. Additional Requirements: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 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. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $130,000 - $160,000 USD
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. As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I based at 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. You will be developing the ground scripting in Python to automate these flight dynamics processes. You'll Bring These Qualifications: U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements. A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree. 5+ years of work experience in mission design, flight dynamics. An advanced understanding of orbital mechanics. Orbit determination theory. Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent. Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent. Python software development. Git version control, or an equivalent version control system. Jira software project management or equivalent. These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field. Monte Carlo numerical simulation. Continuous integration practices. 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. Additional Requirements: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 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. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $130,000 - $160,000 USD