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, 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, 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 components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. As a Flight Analyst Engineer – Electron you will be responsible for mission analysis, flight safety analysis, and 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 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 flight safety data packages, compliance matrices, analysis reports, and 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, and our culture emphasizes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We pride ourselves on supporting one another, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivering, not dwelling on challenges. For Candidates Seeking to Work in U.S. Offices Only (Compliance) 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, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to protected characteristics. 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 should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected]. For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only (Compliance) For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. 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 NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. #J-18808-Ljbffr