Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Holt Executive; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work pattern

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship considered

Job summary

Holt Executive in Oxford is seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to join a pioneering space organisation working on advanced orbital missions and next-generation space technologies. You will influence trajectory planning, optimisation, and mission analysis across rendezvous, docking and separation scenarios.

You will lead development of flight dynamics systems, mentor teams, and collaborate with GNC, operations and broader engineering groups to ensure robust mission success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in flight dynamics within the space industry.
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission analysis.
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB or equivalent).
• Experience defining mission requirements and performing system analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define and review flight dynamics requirements for complex space missions.
• Contribute to the architecture and development of flight dynamics systems and tools.
• Develop and maintain mathematically intensive software modules.
• Lead activities related to space traffic management, including conjunction analysis and collision avoidance.
• Plan, execute, and assess orbital and attitude manoeuvres.
• Support ground segment design and operational concepts.
• Work closely with GNC, operations, and wider engineering teams.
• Support spacecraft operations, including real-time and critical mission phases.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures (nominal and contingency).
• Investigate anomalies and contribute to root cause analysis and resolution.
• Participate in on-call rotations and mission-critical support activities when required.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Orbital mechanics

Python

C++

MATLAB

Scripting

Linux

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Aerospace, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or similar

Tools

MATLAB

Linux

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to join a pioneering space organisation working on advanced orbital missions and next-generation space technologies.

In this role, you will play a key part in trajectory planning, optimisation, and mission analysis, developing innovative solutions that provide clear insight into spacecraft behaviour and interactions within complex orbital environments. You’ll work across a wide range of mission scenarios, including rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, and separation, contributing throughout the full mission lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and review flight dynamics requirements for complex space missions
• Contribute to the architecture and development of flight dynamics systems and tools
• Develop and maintain mathematically intensive software modules
• Lead activities related to space traffic management, including conjunction analysis and collision avoidance
• Plan, execute, and assess orbital and attitude manoeuvres
• Support ground segment design and operational concepts
• Work closely with GNC, operations, and wider engineering teams
• Support spacecraft operations, including real-time and critical mission phases
• Develop and maintain operational procedures (nominal and contingency)
• Investigate anomalies and contribute to root cause analysis and resolution
• Participate in on-call rotations and mission-critical support activities when required

Key Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or similar
• 5+ years’ experience in flight dynamics within the space industry
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission analysis
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB or equivalent)
• Experience defining mission requirements and performing system analysis
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and within teams

Desirable Experience

• Experience in flight dynamics operations and/or agile environments
• Programming experience (e.g. Python, C++, scripting, Linux)
• Exposure to Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
• Understanding of flight dynamics system architecture
• Eligibility for security clearance is advantageous

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements including 9/75 work pattern
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge space missions and technologies
• Relocation support provided and visa sponsorship considered
• Collaborative, international engineering environment
• Modern facilities and strong focus on innovation and development

This is a fantastic opportunity for a flight dynamics specialist looking to work on technically challenging missions at the forefront of the space industry, contributing to complex orbital operations and future space capabilities.