Global Lead, Mission Design & Flight Dynamics

Space Talent; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, is seeking a strategic Head of Mission Design & Flight Dynamics to lead the discipline across all missions and locations. The role spans analysis, development, and operations, with potential base in New Zealand or the U.S.

You will own the technology roadmap, drive automation and efficiency, and mentor a global team to deliver complex spacecraft missions with cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of applied spacecraft flight dynamics and/or operations experience.
• Strong capability to balance complex, parallel tasks.
• Able to operate under significant pressure in both operational and development environments.
• Proven ability to motivate geographically distributed teams and provide clarity through complex technical challenges.
• Background in orbit determination, or trajectory optimisation.
• Experience with hiring, performance, and remuneration cycles.

Responsibilities

• Own the vision and direction of the Mission Design & Flight Dynamics technology roadmap, balancing live mission delivery with long‑term capability growth.
• Drive measurable progress toward greater automation, efficiency, and expanded operational capability.
• Provide mentorship, clarity of vision, prioritisation, and motivation to the Flight Dynamics team during development phases and operational campaigns.
• Lead a global multi‑site team, supported by regional Team Leads who manage day‑to‑day execution.
• Focus on strategic leadership, technical forecasting, emergent risk response, and cross‑functional decision making.
• Maintain strong technical awareness across interfaces including Spacecraft Operations, FSW, GNC, GSW, and Systems.

Skills

Spacecraft dynamics

Team leadership

Trajectory optimization

Orbital mechanics

Software development

Problem solving under pressure

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, is seeking a strategic Head of Mission Design & Flight Dynamics to lead the discipline across all missions and locations. The role spans analysis, development, and operations, with potential base in New Zealand or the U.S.

You will own the technology roadmap, drive automation and efficiency, and mentor a global team to deliver complex spacecraft missions with cross‑functional collaboration.