Flight Dynamics Engineer

Austin, TX Area – Relocation Assistance Provided

The Company

Our client is a fast-growing commercial space startup providing comprehensive services, from launch to in-orbit operations. They have a proven track record of successful launch vehicles and spacecraft and are actively developing their next-generation technologies to support government and commercial missions, from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond.

The Job

As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you’ll apply your expertise in astrodynamics, orbit determination, and trajectory optimization to drive the success of groundbreaking space missions. In this dynamic role, you'll take the lead in designing cutting-edge software tools and innovative procedures that power the operation of both Earth-orbiting and interplanetary spacecraft. Collaborating with a tight-knit, high-energy team, you'll have the opportunity to shape mission outcomes and communicate vital mission analysis to diverse groups of stakeholders, all while making a real impact in the fast-paced world of space exploration.

Functions

• Use ranging techniques to perform orbit determination of spacecraft
• Design, analyze, and execute orbital maneuvers for spacecraft
• Advance the state-of-the-art in-house tools and software for trajectory design, maneuver planning, and orbit determination
• Define, develop, and maintain the interfaces between a flight dynamics system and other components of ground-based operations, as well as external data providers
• Utilize Monte Carlo techniques for maneuver-planning and trajectory analysis
• Cross-train other team members in the use of operational software and procedures
• Perform occasional shift work and on-call support for launch and early orbit phase operations or collision avoidance maneuver planning

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics and 5+ years of relevant work experience
• An advanced understanding of orbital mechanics
• Significant work experience in astrodynamics, orbit determination, or trajectory optimization
• Experience working in an operational environment, especially with spacecraft missions requiring real-time orbit determination and maneuver planning
• Proficiency or familiarity with Python
• Experience with version-control software
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in engineering or physics and 10 years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated professional experience as a Flight Dynamics Engineer on operational spacecraft missions
• Experience with pre-launch activities and launch campaigns for spacecraft
• Proficiency or familiarity with Linux
• Familiarity with Agile Software Development Processes, Git, and Git workflows
• Experience performing orbit determination in ODTK
• Experience performing trajectory design in STK or GMAT
• Familiarity with DSN tracking data interface and documentation
• Familiarity with SPICE kernels and interfacing toolkit

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status