Flight Dynamics Team Lead

Holt Executive; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm is seeking an experienced Flight Dynamics Team Lead to work on complex safety-critical missions. This role involves leading a team of engineers in delivering flight dynamics software capabilities across mission design and operations. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, over 5 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics, and a proven track record in team management. The position offers flexible working options, generous holidays, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working and hybrid options

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics.
• 3+ years leading and managing engineering teams.
• Hands-on experience with flight dynamics tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of flight dynamics software.
• Provide line management and career development for team members.
• Collaborate with international flight dynamics teams.

Skills

Leadership

Orbital mechanics knowledge

Scripting skills (Python, MATLAB)

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Astronautics or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

STK

GMAT

FreeFlyer

Git

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Flight Dynamics Team Lead to join a growing Algorithms and Software group working on complex, safety‑critical space missions. This is a senior technical and people‑leadership role, responsible for leading a team of Flight Dynamics engineers delivering the full flight dynamics software capability across mission design, validation, and on‑orbit operations.

You’ll play a key role across the entire mission lifecycle, from early trajectory and mission design through to operational support, while providing technical leadership, mentorship, and line management to a highly skilled engineering team.

You will lead the design, development, implementation, and validation of flight dynamics software and tools supporting advanced spacecraft operations, including rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). Working closely with GNC, systems, software, ground segment, and operations teams, you’ll ensure robust, mission‑ready solutions are delivered on time and to the highest technical standards.

Key responsibilities

Flight Dynamics & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, development, validation, and maintenance of flight dynamics systems and software
• Design and optimise spacecraft trajectories to meet mission requirements
• Oversee the development and implementation of flight dynamics algorithms for operational missions
• Review and approve flight dynamics designs, procedures, and technical documentation
• Capture and manage requirements, translating them into use cases and user stories
• Support spacecraft operations teams by resolving technical issues and advising on best practice
• Act as technical authority / product owner when interfacing with external suppliers
• Produce and maintain high‑quality project documentation (requirements, V&V plans, test procedures, reports)

Team Leadership & Management

• Provide line management, including workload prioritisation, performance reviews, and development planning
• Plan and allocate technical work in line with project milestones and team capability
• Take overall accountability for the team’s technical output
• Support internal and external technical reviews and programme gates
• Identify resourcing or skills gaps and work with leadership to address them
• Support recruitment through CV review and interviewing
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and career development for team members
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team culture

Collaboration

• Work closely with GNC, systems, software, ground segment, and project management teams
• Collaborate with flight dynamics teams across multiple international locations to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing

Essential skills & experience

• Master’s degree in Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ draggable experience in spacecraft flight dynamics
• 3+ reputation experience leading and managing engineering teams
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics, estimation theory, and optimisation techniques
• Experience with mission design, orbit determination, manoeuvre planning, and operational support
• Hands‑on experience with flight dynamics tools (e.g. STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer)
• Strong scripting/analysis skills (Python, MATLAB)
• Experience across the software development lifecycle
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g. Git)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex technical topics clearly
• Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills

Desirable experience

• Knowledge of ECSS standards
• Experience with advanced flight dynamics (RPO, formation flying, low‑thrust optimisation)
• Background in commercial flight dynamics systems
• Broader software engineering experience
• Ability to gain or hold UK security clearance

What’s on offer

• Flexible working and hybrid options
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• 25 days’ holiday (increasing to 28) plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare, life insurance, and long‑term sick pay
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship (where applicable)
• State‑of‑the‑art office and technical facilities