Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer Auckland, New Zealand

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:

• 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
• 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
• Team and/or software project management experience
• The opportunity to work on innovative and groundbreaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world-leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• 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! 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 dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. #J-18808-Ljbffr