Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Orbit Determination), Elytra

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Texas seeks a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in orbit determination to support operational missions from LEO to cislunar space. You will develop state estimation algorithms, process tracking data, and maintain high-fidelity dynamical models, while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes strong communication, Python proficiency, Kalman filtering experience, and hands-on flight

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in aerospace, physics, math, or related field.
• 5–8 years in spacecraft flight dynamics.
• Experience with orbit determination for operational missions.
• Strong knowledge of estimation theory and covariance analysis.
• Proficient Python and Linux.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms to process measurement data and determine spacecraft position and velocity.
• Perform orbit determination error budgeting and covariance analysis.
• Create tracking schedules for LEO and cislunar missions.
• Tune filter parameters and optimize measurement weighting during operations.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity force models (gravity, drag, SRP, thrust).
• Interface with cross-discipline teams to provide ephemerides and navigation solutions.
• Serve as flight dynamics operator and perform maneuver reconstruction.
• Verify/validate flight dynamics models with analytical solutions and flight data.
• Author technical documentation and analysis reports.

Skills

Orbit determination

Estimation theory

Kalman filtering

Python

Linux

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

ODTK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

MONTE

Job description

Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Orbit Determination), Elytra

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in orbit determination at Firefly, you will perform state estimation and navigation analysis for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will process tracking data, develop filtering algorithms, and maintain high-fidelity dynamical models while collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide accurate navigation solutions and ephemerides. This position combines advanced estimation theory, measurement analysis, and hands-on flight operations support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop algorithms to process measurement data and determine the position and velocity of operational spacecraft
• Perform orbit determination error budgeting and covariance analysis from early mission design through spacecraft mission operations
• Create tracking schedules that provide orbit determination accuracy required to execute spacecraft missions spanning the LEO and cislunar regimes
• Tune filter parameters and optimize measurement weighting during mission operations to maximize orbit determination accuracy and robustness
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity force models (gravity, drag, solar radiation pressure, thrust) for accurate orbit determination
• Interface with cross-discipline teams to provide accurate ephemerides, navigation solutions, and covariance data for mission planning and operations
• Serve as a flight dynamics operator for spacecraft missions and perform maneuver reconstruction to improve spacecraft models
• Perform verification and validation of flight dynamics models and software using analytical solutions, benchmarks, flight data, and unit tests
• Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiences

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
• 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in orbit determination or navigation
• Experience performing orbit determination for operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
• Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applications
• Strong understanding of estimation theory (least squares methods and Kalman filtering), uncertainty modeling, and covariance analysis
• Knowledge of spacecraft force modeling, measurement models, and tracking data sources affecting state estimation
• Familiarity with targeting and optimization methods
• Experience in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications
• Working knowledge of Python and Linux
• Proficiency with one or more commercial orbit determination software tools (ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Preferred

• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
• Expert-level capability in JPL's MONTE software suite for orbit determination
• Software engineering expertise including skills in version control (Git), code review, automated testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory state estimation and orbit determination accuracy
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.