Flight Dynamics Engineer II

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 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. Rocket Lab Space Systems is redefining what’s possible in space. From launching the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program to becoming only the second company to successfully complete orbital reentry - enabling microgravity manufacturing - we’re pushing boundaries. Next up: Mars. We are designing and building spacecraft for groundbreaking science missions with NASA and UC Berkeley. We manufacture everything from single bespoke satellites for complex missions to full constellations, and our vertical integration, designing and building critical satellite components in-house- lets us move fast, innovate continuously, and solve challenges no one else can. Our Space Systems team tackles the impossible, and we’re just getting started. This role is a rare opportunity to join a growing team of talented, dedicated people, collaborating to reshape what’s possible - together. The Role: As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will be responsible for: Mission design and trajectory analysis Flight dynamics operations Software development for mission analysis and flight dynamics suites You will join an operations team built around the 2022 CAPSTONE mission to the Moon, with five spacecraft missions completed and an exciting lineup of upcoming missions, including: Three re-entry missions for Varda Space Industries ESCAPADE mission to Mars for NASA and UC Berkeley LOXSAT cryogenic propellant experiment for NASA Lightning telecommunications constellation for GlobalStar Victus Haze rapid response rendezvous and proximity operations mission for the USSF Privately funded interplanetary mission to Venus As a Flight Dynamics Operator, you’ll perform tracking, navigation, maneuver design, and collision avoidance within Mission Control, working closely with experts from Command Control (C2), Space Ops Software (SOPS), Electrical, EECOM, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC. You’ll solve complex problems, often under time-critical conditions. Beyond Operations: You’ll support development and testing of Rocket Lab’s next-generation mission analysis and flight dynamics software, contributing to: Strategy for short-, medium-, and long-term development objectives Coordinating efforts across flight dynamics engineers using Jira sprint planning and milestone ownership Communicating interfaces, timelines, and blockers with other teams These software suites support current missions and enable future LEO, cislunar, and interplanetary capabilities. At Rocket Lab, your decisions matter. Requirements: 3+ years in spacecraft operations, mission design, or GNC. Bachelor’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, Software Engineering, Physics, or equivalent. Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics and trajectory design (STK or GMAT). Python programming and experience with modern software practices (Git, CI, Jira). Familiarity with Orbit Determination, Monte Carlo simulations, and 3DOF propagator development for LEO, lunar ... (truncated, view full listing at source)