Flight Analysis Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

FLIGHT ANALYSIS ENGINEER - ELECTRON OPERATIONS

As a Flight Analyst Engineer – Electron I you will be responsible for mission analysis, flight safety analysis, new vehicle analysis. You will interface with other departments within Rocket Lab, external agencies and may also support analysis for Neutron. The scope of the flight analysis team includes developing methods, software tools, data packages and technical reports for flight safety, launch availability and on-orbit operations to support Electron and Neutron mission operations. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, maintain, and execute flight safety analysis tools and methods for Electron launch vehicle operations, including trajectory evaluation, debris modeling, re-entry analysis, and risk assessment using Python/C++ programming and 6 DoF/3 DoF simulations
• Process large datasets and create statistical models to quantify failure probabilities while continuously improving analysis efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Support launch operations by generating risk data, building operator interfaces (GUIs/HMIs), providing on-console support during launch campaigns, and conducting verification of launch range systems
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive flight safety documentation including data packages, launch licensing materials, standard operating procedures, and detailed records of analysis methods and results

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong programming skills and familiarity with programming in Python
• 3+ years’ experience in engineering analysis - numerical modelling & simulation, statistics, multi-physics or similar fields 
• Good understanding of launch vehicle flight dynamics, orbital mechanics and GNC
• Familiarity with configuration management and version control
• Strong technical writing skills, familiarity with LaTeX is a plus 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience generating various safety documents including flight safety data packages, compliance matrices, analysis reports, FMECA
• Experience with launch vehicle flight safety programs 

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 do not 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.