Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach (CA)

On-site

USD 132,000 - 198,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Stock purchase program

Company stock in total compensation

401(k) with company match

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

50% merch store discount

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I to design and analyze trajectories for Earth orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will work closely with Systems, Ground Software, and GNC teams to validate guidance profiles and support mission readiness reviews.

The role requires a Bachelor's in aerospace/space systems or related field, 5+ years in mission design, and an active Secret clearance.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering or equivalent.
5+ years of experience in mission design, flight dynamics.
Understanding of orbital mechanics and orbit determination theory.

Responsibilities

Develop and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers.
Perform orbital propagation, rendezvous planning, and station-keeping analysis for spacecraft operations.
Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning.
Interface with flight software and GNC teams to validate and optimize guidance profiles.
Generate and deliver trajectory data products and flight dynamics support for mission readiness reviews.
Contribute to development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure.
Support real-time mission operations including anomaly response and post-launch data analysis