Flight Analysis Engineer - Electron Operations

Flight Analysis Engineer - Electron Operations

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.