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!
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. These include three re-entry missions for Varda Space Industries, the ESCAPADE mission to Mars for NASA and UC Berkeley, the LOXSAT cryogenic propellant storage experiment for NASA, the Lightning telecommunications constellation for GlobalStar, the Victus Haze rapid response rendezvous and proximity operations mission for the USSF, and our privately funded interplanetary mission to Venus.
As a Flight Dynamics Operator (FIDO), you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver design, and collision avoidance as part of a dynamic operations team in the Mission Control Center with subject matter experts from Command & Control (C2), Space Ops Software (SOPS), Electrical, Environmental, and Consumables Manager (EECOM), Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC. You will need to solve complex problems, often under time critical conditions.
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 communication skills
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
5+ years of work experience in mission design, flight dynamics
Monte Carlo numerical simulation
Continuous integration practices
Team and/or software project management experience
ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
An employee stock purchase program
Access to world leading experts to develop your career
Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
Additional parental leave entitlements
A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year
If the above sounds like you apply now!
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