Global Head of Mission Design & Flight Dynamics

Space Talent; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ is seeking a Head of Mission Design & Flight Dynamics to lead the discipline across all missions and locations, spanning analysis, development, and operations. You will shape the technology roadmap and drive progress toward automation, efficiency, and expanded capabilities.

You will mentor a geographically distributed team, oversee strategic decisions, and maintain strong technical awareness across interfaces such as Spacecraft Operations, FSW, GNC, GSW, and Systems.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in spacecraft flight dynamics or operations.
• Experience leading distributed teams across locations.
• Background in orbit determination or trajectory optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission design and flight dynamics across all missions and sites.
• Develop and manage the technology roadmap for the discipline.
• Mentor and align the Flight Dynamics team during development and operations.
• Coordinate with Spacecraft Operations, FSW, GNC, GSW, and Systems teams.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Leadership

Team mentorship

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Spacecraft simulation tools

Trajectory optimization software

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ is seeking a Head of Mission Design & Flight Dynamics to lead the discipline across all missions and locations, spanning analysis, development, and operations. You will shape the technology roadmap and drive progress toward automation, efficiency, and expanded capabilities.

You will mentor a geographically distributed team, oversee strategic decisions, and maintain strong technical awareness across interfaces such as Spacecraft Operations, FSW, GNC, GSW, and Systems.