Flight Dynamics Engineer, Amazon Leo Flight Dynamics

Socket.dev; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Leo is seeking a Research Scientist to supportLaunch Vehicle engineering for multi-disciplinary constellation projects in Redmond, WA. You will perform theoretical and applied analyses, develop flight algorithms, and test navigation software while collaborating across GNC teams.

The role emphasizes automating computational analyses, evaluating on-board systems, and contributing to tool development for large-scale launch campaigns. VISA/Export constraints apply, with a competitive package.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with 4+ years of quantitative field research.
• Experience applying scientific principles to business problems and products.
• Experience analyzing both experimental and observational data sets.

Responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft maneuver or navigation analysis to support trades for the Amazon Leo team.
• Contribute to prototype software development of flight algorithms.
• Test and assess navigation software for flight system integration.
• Assess on-board GNSS hardware/software performance for Leo missions.
• Collaborate with GNC engineers to manage on-orbit performance and processes.
• Manage engineering trades for launch vehicle mission designs as needed.
• Support Launch Vehicle Mission Management with trajectory requirements expertise.
• Evaluate Launch Vehicle performance against mission requirements.
• Develop tools to support Mission Management for 80+ launches.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Orbit determination

Launch vehicle trajectories

Mission planning

Automation scripting

Education

PhD or Master’s + 4+ years experience

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

We are searching for a talented candidate with experience in orbital mechanics, orbit determination, launch vehicle trajectories, and launch vehicle mission planning. In this position, a successful candidate would serve as a Research Scientist in support of Amazon Leo’s constellation with particular focus on Launch Vehicle support. Strong analysis skills are required to develop engineering studies of complex large-scale dynamical systems. This position requires demonstrated expertise in computational analysis automation and tool development.

Export Control Requirement

Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key job responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft maneuver or navigation analysis in support of multi-disciplinary trades within the Amazon Leo team.
• Contribute to prototype software development of flight algorithms.
• Test and assess navigation software for integration into flight systems.
• Assess and trouble-shoot the performance of Leo on-board GNSS hardware and software systems.
• Work closely with GNC engineers to manage on-orbit performance and develop flight dynamics operations processes.
• Manage engineering trades as needed for various launch vehicle mission designs.
• Support Leo’s Launch Vehicle Mission Management team with technical expertise in Launch Vehicle trajectory requirements specification
• Evaluate Launch Vehicle performance and compliance with mission requirements
• Develop tools to support Mission Management planning for over 80 launches!
• Work collaboratively with launch vehicle system technical teams

About the team

The Flight Dynamics team is responsible for the guidance, navigation, control and safety of the spaceflight of the Amazon Leo constellation. This team provides solutions to spaceflight challenges in constellation design, orbit selection, launch vehicle insertion requirements, navigation, trajectory design, space situational awareness, and space traffic coordination.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD, or Master's degree and 4+ years of quantitative field research experience
• Experience investigating the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to business problems and products
• Experience analyzing both experimental and observational data sets

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of R, MATLAB, Python or similar scripting language
• Experience with agile development
• Experience building web based dashboards using common frameworks

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, WA, Redmond - 136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually