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Jobs · Engineering · Colorado

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I

Rocket Lab · Littleton, CO · 2 wk ago
On-siteEngineering$120k/yrFull-time

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 to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate-change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Role

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I based in Littleton, CO, you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance design and operations for Earth-orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will collaborate with subject-matter experts from Systems, Ground Software, Electrical, Avionics, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC engineering disciplines to solve complex problems, often under time-critical conditions.

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.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in mission design and flight dynamics.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of orbital mechanics, including spaceflight dynamics, maneuver design, orbit determination, and Kalman filtering.
  • Mission analysis experience with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent tools.
  • Python software development experience.
  • Experience with Git version control or an equivalent system.
  • Experience with Jira or equivalent software project management tools.
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
  • Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
  • Monte Carlo numerical simulation experience.
  • Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent tools.
  • Team and/or software project management experience.
  • Ability to work complex problems under time pressure.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with stakeholders.

Work Environment

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.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CO Only): $120,000 USD – $160,000 USD. Final compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.

Benefits

  • Company stock or cash incentives.
  • Discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan options.
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Other discounts and perks.

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