Flight Dynamics Software Engineer (F/H)

Exotrail SA; Toulouse; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Transport reimbursement

Remote work up to 2 days per week

Parental leave extension

Job summary

Exotrail in Toulouse is seeking a Flight Dynamics Software Engineer to design, develop and maintain the Flight Dynamics System (FDS) and SpaceTower platform, supporting mission analysis, orbit determination, maneuver planning and in‑orbit operations.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams across software, systems and operations to deliver high‑performance software for spacecraft missions, from mission design to routine operations, in a fast-growing international company.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical field and strong numerics background.
• Solid understanding of space mechanics and orbit propagation.
• Proven software development experience in Java and Linux environments.
• Experience with Git/GitLab and CI/CD pipelines.
• Fluency in English and French is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and validate the Flight Dynamics System (FDS) and SpaceTower platform.
• Implement orbit propagation, orbit determination and maneuver planning algorithms.
• Contribute to mission analysis and operational flight dynamics capabilities.
• Develop trajectory optimization and validation techniques with cross‑functional teams.
• Produce technical documentation and participate in code reviews.

Skills

Astrodynamics

Java

Linux

Git/GitLab

CI/CD

English

French

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in a related field

Applied Mathematics

Physics

Tools

Orekit

GMAT

STK/ODTK

Tudat

Orecz

Docker

Kubernetes

Python

Typescript

Job description

About Exotrail

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

Since 2017, Exotrail has been developing and operating cutting‑edge in‑space mobility solutions for commercial, institutional, and defense customers. From our high‑performance propulsion system spaceware™ to our orbital transfer vehicle spacevan™, we enable satellites to go farther, stay operational longer, and achieve more.

Today, more than 200 Exotrailers across Massy and Toulouse are working together to make space operations more efficient and sustainable.

Backed by over €75 million in funding, we are pursuing a clear mission:

Making space a sustainable frontier for future generations.

Job Description

At Exotrail, we're building the technologies that make space mobility more flexible, efficient and sustainable. As part of our In‑Orbit Services (IOS) division, you will contribute to the development of SpaceTower™, our flight dynamics and mission operations software platform supporting spacecraft missions from mission design to in‑orbit operations.

As a Flight Dynamics Software Engineer, you will combine astrodynamics expertise and software engineering skills to design, develop and maintain the flight dynamics capabilities used by our teams and customers worldwide.

If you enjoy solving complex orbital mechanics challenges, building reliable software products and seeing your work directly support operational space missions, we'd love to hear from you.

Your Mission

You will contribute to the design, development and validation of Exotrail's Flight Dynamics System (FDS), supporting mission analysis, orbit determination, maneuver planning, trajectory optimization and operational flight dynamics activities.

Working closely with Flight Dynamics, Software, System and Operations teams, you will deliver high-performance software solutions that support spacecraft throughout their entire lifecycle, from mission preparation to routine operations in orbit.

Your Responsibilities

Mission Analysis & Astrodynamics

• Design and implement orbit propagation, orbit determination and maneuver planning algorithms.

• Develop trajectory optimization solutions for spacecraft missions.

• Contribute to mission analysis and operational flight dynamics capabilities.

• Validate algorithms through simulation, testing and operational data analysis.

• Translate mission requirements into robust software solutions in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Software Development

• Design, develop and maintain Flight Dynamics software products, including SpaceTower™.

• Participate in software architecture decisions and technical roadmap definition.

• Improve software performance, scalability, robustness and maintainability.

• Develop automated testing frameworks and validation tools.

• Contribute to continuous integration and software quality processes.

• Participate in code reviews and software development best practices.

• Produce high-quality technical documentation.

Mission & Operations Support

• Support System Engineering and Operations teams during CONOPS definition and mission preparation.

• Train and assist internal and external users of SpaceTower™.

• Participate in software and operational validation campaigns.

• Support critical mission phases such as launch, commissioning and end‑of‑life operations.

• Investigate operational anomalies and contribute to continuous process improvements.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Strong foundation in applied mathematics and solid understanding of space mechanics

• Good understanding of spacecraft dynamics, orbit propagation and numerical methods.

• Proven experience in software development using Java (must have), Linux

• Git/GitLab, CI/CD/CT

• Fluency in English and French

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with flight dynamics libraries and tools (Orekit, GMAT, STK/ODTK, Tudat, Orecz).

• Python and Typescript

• Containerization and Orchestration (e.g.,Docker, Kbernetes)

• Knowledge of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) systems.

• Knowledge of Agile development methodologies.

Soft skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to tackle complex technical challenges.

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, collaborating with engineers, scientists, and operations teams.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Proactive attitude and ownership mindset, capable of driving topics from concept to completion.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Ability to provide constructive feedback and contribute positively to team growth and continuous improvement.

Capacity to work on on‑call work during critical phases (launch, commissioning)

Why Join Exotrail?

• Contribute to technology that truly operates in space.

• Work on complete systems, from embedded software development to in‑orbit operations.

• Collaborate with passionate experts across systems, avionics, software, propulsion, and space operations.

• Take part in innovative projects within a rapidly growing international company.

• Make a direct impact on the space missions and technologies of tomorrow.

What We Offer

• 70% employer-funded health insurance.

• 50% reimbursement of public transportation costs.

• Up to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on the position.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave coverage with no seniority requirement.

• Training and professional development opportunities.

• Well-being programs including Moka Care, conferences, and the ExoCare Program for Moments that Matter.

• 35 days of paid leave per year (vacation + RTT equivalent).

Working Environment

• Offices located in the heart of Toulouse.

• Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available on site.

Work-Life Balance

• Regular team events and afterworks.

• On-site osteopathy sessions organized at both locations.

Recruitment Process

1. HR Interview
Discussion about your background, motivations, and career aspirations.

2. Hiring Manager Interview
Conversation focused on the role, team challenges, and your professional experience.

3. Technical Interview
Assessment of your technical skills, engineering approach, and problem-solving capabilities.

4. Final Interview
A final discussion to confirm mutual fit and answer any remaining questions.

Ready to launch your career beyond Earth? Join Exotrail and help shape the future of sustainable space mobility.