Flight Analysis Engineer II

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!

About the Role

As a Flight Analyst Engineer II, you will be responsible for delivering mission analysis and contributing to the obtention of a Flight Safety FAA part 450 compliance launch license for the Electron and Neutron Vehicle.  

You will be involved with the development of statistical and probability-based tools that enable to computation of population risk from Neutron and Electron launches. This will involve the development of efficient algorithms in the C++ programming language and implementation of docker based pipelines using the Teamcity build management system.  

Additionally, your role will involve the design of flight rules and testing for the Automatic Flight Termination System. Flight rules design and testing requires a solid understanding of vehicle flight dynamics and logic. 

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 mission operations and Neutron development. 

Essential Skills

• Bachelor or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, software engineering, computer science or an equivalent relevant field.  
• Strong knowledge of the C++ and Python programming languages. 
• Experience with DevOps tools: Setting up and using build management systems and continuous integration (CI/CD) tools (eg: teamcity, docker).  
• Familiarity with version control tools (eg: git, github, gitlab). 
• Strong background in probability and statistics 
• Good understanding of launch vehicle flight dynamics, orbital mechanics and GNC 
• Strong technical writing skills, familiarity with LaTeX is a plus. 

Desired Skills

• Previous experience with FAA regulations, processes and means of compliance methods for Flight Safety (CFR part 417 and/or part 450). 
• Experience generating various safety documents including flight safety data packages, compliance matrices, analysis reports, FMECA 
• Experience with launch vehicle flight safety programs 

Rocket Lab Employee Benefits

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

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 .

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 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