Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

2 months ago

Mount Wellington, New Zealand Rocket Lab USA Full time

**ABOUT ROCKET LAB**

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights

**ROCKET LAB**

You already know that Rocket Lab is a global leader in space launch. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future.

**SPACE SYSTEMS**

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA's Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we're going to Mars Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.

We manufacture single bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations. And we're unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too. This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them, and constantly innovate.

Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions - and we're only just getting started This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of our growing team. You will collaborate with exceptionally talented and dedicated people, pushing boundaries, and reshaping what is possible - together.

**PRINCIPAL FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER**

Based out of Rocket Lab's New Zealand headquarters in Auckland, the Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer is responsible for:

- Mission design,
- 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. We have five spacecraft missions under our belt, with a diverse portfolio of challenging missions on the horizon for 2024/2025. There include three re-entry missions for Varda Space Industries, the ESCAPADE mission to Mars for NASA and UC Berkeley, the LOXSAT cyrogenic propellant storage experiment for NASA, the Lightning telecommunications constellation for GlobalStar, the the Victus Haze rapid response rendezvous and proximity operations mission for the USSF, and our privately funded interplanetary mission to Venus.

Beyond operations, you will support the development and testing of Rocket Lab's next generation mission analysis and flight dynamic system software suites and strive towards the team's development vision of efficiency and excellence through automation and cross-mission commonality. As a Principal Engineer, your duties will include:

- Contributing to strategy for short, medium and long-term development objectives,
- Coordinating development efforts across a team of flight dynamics engineers through Jira sprint planning, ownership of development milestones,
- Communication of interfaces, timelines, and blockers with other teams.

These software suites will both support our current missions, and will enable future LEO, cislunar, and interplanetary capabilities. At Rocket Lab we solve the hard problems, your decisions matter, and as a team, we will directly enable fast-paced, affordable space exploration and infrastructure.

**YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS**
- A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
- An advanced understanding of orbital mechanics
- Orbit determination theory
- Mission analysis with STK, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent
- Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent
- Python software development
- Git release and version control
- Jira software project management or equivalent
- Ability to work complex problems under time pressure
- Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with a range of stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communicatio

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