Flight Analysis Engineer I/II

Linuxconfig; Littleton (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Flight Analysis Engineer I/II (Mission Formulation) based in the Denver, CO office. You will contribute to trajectory design, modeling, and testing for Electron and HASTE missions, interfacing with multiple teams to ensure flight safety and mission success.

The role requires strong numerical modelling, Python data analysis, Linux development, and knowledge of flight dynamics, with eligibility for DoD Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience with numerical modelling and simulation.
• Data analysis using Python, SciPy, or similar.
• Developing with Linux and version control with Git.
• Fundamental knowledge of atmospheric flight, flight dynamics, or orbital mechanics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Launch and mission operational concept development.
• Orbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysis.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders for mission requirements engineering.
• Support HITL testing to verify trajectory and flight safety systems.
• Perform Monte Carlo analyses to verify launch and mission operations.
• Conduct flight safety analyses pre-launch and provide day-of-launch support.
• Develop bespoke mission safety rules.
• Validate readiness of AFTS hardware/software.
• Develop tools to automate common modelling tasks.
• Coordinate with Business Development for proposals and mission definition.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Python / SciPy

Linux

Flight dynamics basics

Git version control

Security clearance

Tools

Git

RF simulation tools

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Flight Analysis ENGINEER I/II - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab’soffice inDenver, CO,the Flight AnalysisEngineerI/II- Mission Formulation is responsiblefortrajectory simulation, modeling, analyses, and testing forRocket Lab launches and missions. As a Flight Analyst you will contribute towards ensuring safety of Rocket Lab launches and support mission design and operations. You willinterface withother departments within Rocket Lab as well as external agencies.The scope of the flight analysis team includes developing methods, software tools, data packages and technical reports for flight safety, launch availability and operations to support Electron and HASTE mission operations.

The Flight AnalysisEngineerI/II is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Teamwhich works closely with other Engineering, Production and Operations teams to bring new launch concepts to life.This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missionsofclassifiedmissionsonElectron andHASTElaunchvehicles.

(Please note: This position can be hired at theEngineerI orEngineerII level.)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Launch and mission operational concept development
• Orbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysis
• Work with external stakeholders and customers for mission-specific requirements engineering
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing to verify trajectory and flight safety system configuration
• ConductMonte Carlo simulation analysesto define and verifylaunch and mission operations
• Conduct flight safety analysesprior to launch and providerelated day-of-launch support
• Develop bespoke mission safety rules
• Verify readiness of AFTS(AutonomousFlight Termination System) hardware and software
• Develop tools and processes for automating commonmodelling andanalysis tasks
• Directcontact to Business Development for proposalsand missiondefinition

QUALIFICATIONSYOU’LLBRING :

• Experiencewithnumerical modelling & simulation,probability &statistics, multi-physics,and/or similar fieldsof analysis
• Experience with data analysis using Python, SciPy, or similar
• Experience developing with Linux
• Fundamentalknowledge of atmospheric flight, flight dynamics, and/ororbital mechanics
• Experience with Git version control (e.g., git,github,gitlab)
• Ability to obtain andmaintaina DoD US Government Secret security clearance

THESEQUALIFICATIONSWOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• ActiveTS/SCIclearance
• Experience with C/C++
• Experience with mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicledesignand simulation tools
• Experience with RF simulation,modelingand Link budget analysis
• Experience with software and hardware-in-the-loop testing(HITL)and relatedsystems
• Experience with FAA regulations, processes and means of compliance methods for Flight Safety (CFR part 417 and/or part 450)
• Experience with AutonomousFlightTerminationSystems(AFTS)andassociatedflight rules design
• Experience with Python scripting development
• Educational knowledge of RF or electrical systems
• Ability to work on own initiative and to plan da ily workflow to complete higher level tasks
• Experience working on fast-paced design and development projects
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$100,000 - $125,000 USD

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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Rocket Lab Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.