Flight Analysis Engineer II
Flight Analysis ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION
Based out of Rocket Lab’s office in Long Beach, CA, the Flight Analysis Engineer II - Mission Formulation is responsible for trajectory simulation, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket 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 will interface with other 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 Analysis Engineer II is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which 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 missions of classified missions on Electron and HASTE launch vehicles.
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 & statistics, 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 a DoD US Government Secret security clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD 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
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$125,000—$161,000 USD
Base Salary
$115,000—$144,000 USD