Flight Dynamics Engineer

Jobtailor

Alabama

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a flight mechanics and astrodynamics expert to design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft across LEO to deep-space regimes. The role requires strong programming in C/C++, Python and a solid background in numerical methods and optimization.

The candidate will develop tools for optimal control, participate in challenging missions, and collaborate with defense and aerospace partners on cislunar exploration and hypersonics initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
Two years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation
For Senior Member: five or more years of relevant technical work or PhD
Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Advanced degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired
Experience or graduate-level coursework/research in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation
Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP Access is impressive/preferred

Responsibilities

Provide flight mechanics expertise for defense, intelligence, and civil/commercial customers
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft across various orbits
Perform astrodynamics analyses and orbit propagation
Develop tools and capabilities for optimal control and trajectory analysis
Collaborate with engineering partners to deliver integrated space system solutions
Support collaborations in cislunar exploration, hypersonics, and related fields

Skills

Flight Mechanics

Astrodynamics

Trajectory Optimization

C/C++/Python

Advanced Algorithms

Numerical Methods

Nonlinear Programming

Genetic Algorithms

Parallel Processing

Calculus of Variations

Education

BSc Aeronautical/Astronautical Eng

Physics

Applied Mathematics

Advanced Degree (desirable)

Tools

ASSET

GPOPS-II

SNOPT

POST

OTIS

Copernicus

GMAT

EMTG

Job description

Provide flight mechanics expertise for a wide range of customer needs across defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft across LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes
Perform astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis, including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization
Analyze chemical and/or electric propulsion vehicles
Evaluate contested mission applications, threat performance, vulnerabilities, and system resiliency
Explore and define the Dynamic Space Operations mission area
Design, select, and optimize maneuvers and orbits for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations objectives
Develop CONOPS and TTPs and incorporate operational constraints into space system design and maturation
Provide operational support for launches, spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
Develop optimal control, flight mechanics, computer science, and algorithm-based capabilities and submodules
Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces
Perform research and development and build new flight dynamics tools
Leverage external tools including ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG
Collaborate with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions for challenging customer problems
Support potential collaborations in cislunar exploration, hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, reentry vehicles, traveling salesman problems, facility location, and integrated RPO simulations

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
Two years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation
For Senior Member: five or more years of relevant technical work or PhD
Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Demonstrated technical excellence in relevant job capabilities and functions
Ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations and deliver high-quality end products
Advanced degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired
Experience or graduate-level coursework/research in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation
Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP Access is impressive/preferred

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, and trajectory optimization, with a strong foundation in algorithm development and numerical methods. Capable of providing operational support and developing innovative solutions for complex aerospace challenges.

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