Flight Dynamics Engineer II
Rocket Lab
Date: 1 day ago
City: Auckland, Auckland
Contract type: Full time
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re redefining what's possible in space. Our Space Systems team is the driving force behind every satellite and component we produce—from fully integrated spacecraft destined for lunar or Martian missions, to the essential subsystems that make up any high-performance satellite: solar panels, radios, reaction wheels, star trackers, flight software, and more.
Our engineers, technicians, and designers build satellites that serve commercial, government, and defence missions worldwide—and we’re just getting started.
FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER – SPACE SYSTEMS
As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will be at the heart of mission execution— play your role in precise tracking, spacecraft navigation, maneuver design, and real-time collision avoidance. Working from our Mission Control Center, you’ll collaborate with subject matter experts from Command & Control (C2), EECOM, GNC, Flight Software, and other subsystems to solve complex trajectory challenges in high-pressure environments.
Whether it's low Earth orbit, cislunar navigation, or deep space trajectories, you’ll help shape the path of Rocket Lab’s most ambitious missions, including CAPSTONE, METHANESAT, WINNEBAGO, and beyond.
What You’ll Get To Do
You'll work on real missions with real spacecraft, collaborating with one of the most advanced space systems teams on Earth. From flying CAPSTONE to the Moon, to building hardware for defence constellations or breakthrough science missions, your work will shape the future of spaceflight.
Apply now and help shape the future of space technology!
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 [email protected] 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.
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re redefining what's possible in space. Our Space Systems team is the driving force behind every satellite and component we produce—from fully integrated spacecraft destined for lunar or Martian missions, to the essential subsystems that make up any high-performance satellite: solar panels, radios, reaction wheels, star trackers, flight software, and more.
Our engineers, technicians, and designers build satellites that serve commercial, government, and defence missions worldwide—and we’re just getting started.
FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER – SPACE SYSTEMS
As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will be at the heart of mission execution— play your role in precise tracking, spacecraft navigation, maneuver design, and real-time collision avoidance. Working from our Mission Control Center, you’ll collaborate with subject matter experts from Command & Control (C2), EECOM, GNC, Flight Software, and other subsystems to solve complex trajectory challenges in high-pressure environments.
Whether it's low Earth orbit, cislunar navigation, or deep space trajectories, you’ll help shape the path of Rocket Lab’s most ambitious missions, including CAPSTONE, METHANESAT, WINNEBAGO, and beyond.
What You’ll Get To Do
- Execute flight dynamics operations for Photon missions, including navigation, manoeuvre planning, and collision avoidance.
- Design and analyse LEO, cislunar, and deep space trajectories using mission-specific constraints.
- Develop and enhance Rocket Lab’s next-generation Flight Dynamics System for improved automation and versatility.
- Perform Monte Carlo simulations to validate mission performance and ensure reliability.
- Collaborate with teams across GNC, Propulsion, Avionics, Thermal, RF, and Space Operations for trajectory and CONOPS analysis.
- Create and maintain mission procedures and technical documentation.
- Support real-time mission operations and respond to time-critical events.
- Take ownership of technical areas, drive improvements, and support cross-functional mission reviews.
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering (or similar.
- Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics and orbit determination theory.
- Experience with mission analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, Monte, or Copernicus.
- Familiarity with orbit determination tools like ODTK, Orekit, or equivalents.
- Strong Python skills; experience with Git and version control.
- Ability to thrive in time-sensitive, high-stakes operational environments.
- Proficiency in Jira or similar project management tools.
- Proven experience in mission design or flight dynamics.
- Experience in Monte Carlo numerical simulation.
- Background in continuous integration or automated testing.
- Project or team leadership experience in engineering or software environments.
You'll work on real missions with real spacecraft, collaborating with one of the most advanced space systems teams on Earth. From flying CAPSTONE to the Moon, to building hardware for defence constellations or breakthrough science missions, your work will shape the future of spaceflight.
Apply now and help shape the future of space technology!
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 [email protected] 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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