Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER II

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters 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!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• 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 YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER II :

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.

• 8+ years of experience in mission design, flight dynamics.

• Demonstrated knowledge of orbital mechanics, including spaceflight dynamics, maneuver design, orbit determination, and Kalman filtering.

• 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.

• Active Secret or 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. 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) $135,000 — $175,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

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 dw

Similar jobs

• Flight Dynamics Engineer II — Rocketlab · Long Beach, CA
• Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II - Secret Clearance — Rocketlab · Long Beach, CA
• Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I - Secret Clearance — Rocketlab · Long Beach, CA
• Senior Flight Test Engineer — Hermeus · Los Angeles, CA
• Senior Flight Test Engineer — Flyzipline · South San Francisco, California, USA
• Senior Flight Software Engineer — Astro-mechanica · San Francisco
• Senior Flight Software Engineer — Trueanomalyinc · Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA
• Senior Flight Software Engineer — Hermeus · Los Angeles, CA