Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II – Space Trajectory

PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein); Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II to design and analyze trajectories for Earth orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex problems under time pressure and ensure mission readiness.

Role requires a strong background in orbital mechanics, STK/GMAT/Astrogator, and a current or clearable security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in mission design and flight dynamics.
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and orbit determination.
• Experience with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte Carlo, Copernicus.
• Proficient in Python and Git.
• Active Secret clearance; ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Python programming

Git version control

Jira project management

Active clearance

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Space Systems/Software Eng

Master's degree (Nice to have)

Tools

STK

Astrogator

GMAT

Monte Carlo

Copernicus

ODTK

Orekit

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II to design and analyze trajectories for Earth orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex problems under time pressure and ensure mission readiness.

Role requires a strong background in orbital mechanics, STK/GMAT/Astrogator, and a current or clearable security clearance.