Job Description

About The Role

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’s office in Denver, CO, the Flight Analysis Engineer I/II - Mission Formulationis 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 I/IIis 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. 

(Please note: This position can be hired at the Engineer I or Engineer II 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 & 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 

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 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.

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