Team Lead - Flight Analysis

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!

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.

TEAM LEAD – FLIGHT ANALYSIS

As a Team Lead – Flight Analysis, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for flight analysis products to support mission operations at Rocket Lab. The flight analysis team work on technical advancement, overall team performance, quality, schedule delivery, efficiency, and safety.  Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead development of flight analysis methods and assumptions and ensure that they are continually compliant with regulatory requirements including but not limited to flight safety data packages, launch availability studies and conjunction assessments for launch and on-orbit operations.
• Lead development and maintenance of in-house flight analysis tools including but not limited to launch vehicle trajectory and performance evaluation, debris modelling, toxic dispersion modelling, re-entry analysis, overpressure, failure probability and mission risk, launch and on-orbit conjunction assessments.
• Lead development and execution of 6 DoF and 3 DoF simulations
• Lead development of statistical models to quantify failure probabilities
• Handling, processing and analysis of large data sets
• Lead development, simulation and test of flight termination / mission rules
• Automation and optimisation of analysis tools
• Development of flight safety displays for launch operators
• Support on-console launch operations as required
• Ensure continual compliance with regulatory requirements e.g. FAA, NASA, USAF and DOD
• Accountable for on-time delivery of flight analysis products

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelors’ degree in Engineering, science or equivalent qualification
• 6+ years’ experience in engineering analysis - numerical modelling & simulation, statistics, multi-physics or similar fields
• Experience in engineering management, team management project management or similar
• Strong understanding of launch vehicle flight dynamics, orbital mechanics and GNC
• Strong programming skills and familiarity with programming languages – Python, C/C++
• Familiarity with configuration management and version control
• Strong technical writing skills, familiarity with LaTeX is a plus

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced degree in engineering, science or equivalent – Masters or PhD
• 10+ years’ experience in engineering analysis - numerical modelling & simulation, statistics, multi-physics, or similar fields
• On-console experience supporting flight safety operations
• Experience generating various safety documents including flight safety data packages, compliance matrices, analysis reports, FMECA
• Experience with launch vehicle flight safety programs

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.