Flight Dynamics Engineer

Motive Companies, LLC; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Paid holidays and leave

Parental leave and military leave

Job summary

Motive Companies, LLC in Santa Monica, CA is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Flight Dynamics Engineer to join the flight program team. You will work hands-on from design and simulation through hardware integration, testing, and live on-orbit operations.

The role requires deep knowledge of attitude determination and control, guidance and navigation, propulsion, and real-time flight operations, with collaboration across Avionics, Flight Software, and Systems Engineering.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years in spacecraft flight dynamics, GNC, or ADCS.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft attitude control and propulsion systems.
• Experience with modeling, simulations, and mission analyses.
• Proficiency with STK, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration and interface development for ADCS, propulsion, and GNC hardware.
• Develop high-fidelity flight dynamics models for trajectory analysis and maneuver planning.
• Tune control laws for pointing, detumbling, momentum management, and station-keeping.
• Perform modeling and simulation using STK, Python, MATLAB.
• Collaborate with Avionics, Flight Software, and Systems Engineering teams.

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

STK

GNC

ADCS

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Eng.

Tools

STK

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Job Details

A&D/Semi

Flight Dynamics Engineer Santa Monica,CA Posted:11/5/2026 Job Description Job ID#: 87056

Job Category: A&D/Semi

Position Type: Direct

Duration: Direct

Shift: 1

Motive Workforce is partnering with a Los Angeles-based spacecraft technology company developing advanced, purpose-built spacecraft and mission solutions for commercial, scientific, and national security applications. We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft Flight Dynamics Engineer to join the flight program team. This role is highly hands-on and will support spacecraft from design and simulation through hardware integration, testing, and live on-orbit operations. The ideal candidate brings strong experience across spacecraft flight dynamics, attitude determination and control, guidance and navigation, propulsion, simulation, and real-time flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical integration, interface development, vendor coordination, and performance requirements for ADCS, propulsion systems, and GNC hardware.
• Develop high-fidelity flight dynamics models for trajectory analysis, momentum management, maneuver planning, and propellant budgeting.
• Develop and tune control laws for spacecraft pointing, detumbling, momentum management, and station-keeping.
• Perform modeling and simulation using tools such as STK, Python, MATLAB, or comparable flight dynamics platforms.
• Work closely with Avionics, Flight Software, Systems Engineering, and AI&T teams to integrate and calibrate flight dynamics hardware within the spacecraft bus.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, spacecraft integration, and system-level verification activities.
• Transition spacecraft from design and simulation into live flight operations.
• Support on-console operations, including maneuver execution, anomaly investigation, troubleshooting, and recovery.
• Evaluate spacecraft performance and recommend improvements based on simulation, test, and on-orbit data.
• Maintain technical documentation covering system design, simulations, test results, interfaces, and spacecraft performance.
• Support compliance with applicable aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to improvements in flight dynamics engineering processes.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in spacecraft flight dynamics, GNC, ADCS, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft attitude control and propulsion systems.
• Experience developing spacecraft dynamics models, simulations, and mission analyses.
• Proficiency with flight dynamics or mission design tools such as STK or comparable platforms.
• Programming experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages used for modeling, simulation, or flight software integration.
• Experience supporting spacecraft hardware integration, testing, or flight operations.
• Experience working in clean room environments and following ESD procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting spacecraft through launch and on-orbit operations.
• Hands-on experience with reaction wheels, star trackers, sun sensors, magnetometers, torque rods, propulsion systems, or other ADCS/GNC hardware.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop simulation.
• Experience investigating and resolving spacecraft anomalies during flight operations.
• Experience leading technical efforts or mentoring other engineers.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $190,000 per year. Final compensation will depend on experience, education, technical background, and qualifications.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid holidays, sick leave, flexible vacation, parental leave, military leave, and additional employee benefits.