Flight Analysis Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab USA; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA, a leader in end-to-end space solutions, seeks a Flight Analysis Engineer I/II - Mission Formulation in Denver, CO. You will run trajectory simulations, perform design analyses, and interface with multiple teams to ensure safe launches for Electron and HASTE missions.

You will contribute to mission formulation, develop analysis tools, and work with external stakeholders on requirements, while preparing for day-of-launch support and compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical) required.
• Strong numerical modelling, statistics and multi-physics skills.
• Experience with Python, SciPy, or similar for data analysis.
• Experience developing with Linux and Git version control.
• Knowledge of atmospheric flight, flight dynamics, and orbital mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Launch and mission concept development
• Orbital trajectory design and analysis
• Engage with external stakeholders for mission requirements
• Support HITL testing for trajectory and safety
• Perform Monte Carlo analyses for launch/mission operations
• Prepare flight safety analyses and day-of-launch support
• Develop mission safety rules
• Verify readiness of AFTS hardware/software
• Create tools to automate modelling/analysis
• Interface with Business Development for proposals

Skills

Numerical modelling

Probability & statistics

Multi-physics

Python analysis

Linux

Orbital mechanics

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical)

Tools

Git

C/C++

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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
• Conduct Monte Carlo simulation analyses to define and verify launch and mission operations
• Conduct flight safety analyses prior to launch and provide related day-of-launch support
• Develop bespoke mission safety rules
• Verify readiness of AFTS (Autonomous Flight Termination System) hardware and software
• Develop tools and processes for automating common modelling and analysis tasks
• Direct contact to Business Development for proposals and mission definition

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)
• Experience with numerical modelling & simulation, probability & stats, multi-physics, and/or similar fields of analysis
• Experience with data analysis using Python, SciPy, or similar
• Experience developing with Linux
• Fundamental knowledge of atmospheric flight, flight dynamics, and/or orbital mechanics
• Experience with Git version control (e.g., git, github, gitlab)
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD US Government Secret security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Advanced degree in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)
• Experience with C/C++
• Experience with mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation tools
• Experience with RF simulation, modeling and Link budget analysis
• Experience with software and hardware-in-the-loop testing (HITL) and related systems
• Experience with FAA regulations, processes and means of compliance methods for Flight Safety (CFR part 417 and/or part 450)
• Experience with Autonomous Flight Termination Systems (AFTS) and associated flight rules design
• Experience developing 3DOF atmospheric propagators
• Experience with Python scripting development
• Educational knowledge of RF or electrical systems
• Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily 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.

Important information:

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.