Staff Consultant – Launch Systems

STAFF CONSULTANT - LAUNCH SYSTEMS 

Rocket Lab is seeking an exceptional engineering leader to formulate mission solutions for launch customers in suborbital markets, including the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. With high-demand to apply Rocket Lab’s unique capabilities to emerging DoD missions, NASA science, and point-to-point transportation – no two missions will be the same! As an Architect on the Electron and Neutron teams you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the Global Launch Services Division, and with the high launch cadence of Electron, unparallel opportunity to support advancement of critical US National Security and Civil Science needs.

The Launch Systems Staff Consultant will be responsible for developing Electron and Neutron missions for suborbital applications in support of the Global Launch Services Business Development and Strategy team. The Launch Systems Solutions Architect will lead the initial concept and launch vehicle configuration for rapid conceptual design of missions ranging from national security suborbital missions, test launches of ballistic and hypersonic payloads, and NASA sounding-rocket science.  Responsibilities include the synthesis of multi-disciplinary inputs from Electron and Neutron subject-matter experts across GNC and Aerothermal analysis, Vehicle Engineering, Integrated Operations and Launch.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

• Primary technical architect contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts, including:
  • Ballistic, Hypersonic, and unique suborbital trajectory design and analysis.
  • Mission-specific requirements engineering
  • Technical Volume proposal leadership and written contributions
  • Leadership and coordination with engineering staff regarding vehicle system-level design needs based on mission requirements
  • Frequent engagement with DoD, IC, and NASA Customers for communicating Rocket Lab mission solutions, including travel
• Working with the Rocket Lab Electron and Neutron engineers to:
  • Create technical, cost, and schedule estimates for engineered mission solutions
  • Documenting the proposed GNC solution and participating in early-phase design reviews with the customer.
  • Develop tools and processes for automating common proposal analysis tasks.
  • Support transition of solutions to mission execution phases

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Masters or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or comparable field.
• 5 years’ experience developing and optimizing launch vehicle trajectories using POST, ASTOS or equivalent tool.
• 5 years’ experience developing or analyzing GNC systems for launch vehicles, preferably in Python or MATLAB.
• 5 years’ cross-disciplinary experience designing and analyzing systems for orbital and suborbital launch vehicles, sounding rockets, or missile bodies, including control systems, aerothermal, mechanical, and payload interfaces
• Thorough understanding of ballistic and hypersonics missile applications, system design, and analysis
• US Government security clearance Secret or TS/SCI
• Position requires 10% domestic travel

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering, or a comparable field.
• Thorough understanding of DoD and NASA suborbital (missile or sounding rocket) programs and customers
• Previous experience as technical contributor to US Government proposals
• Experience with US Government contracts
• Experience with Git version control.
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.