Job Description

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

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