Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Trajectory)

Aleron; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 171,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Trajectory) in Leander, TX. You will design and optimize spacecraft trajectories, develop manoeuvre-targeting algorithms, and support missions from concept through operations.

The role requires deep experience in mission design, flight dynamics, and software tools, with ITAR compliance and cross‑functional collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics or Mathematics is required.

Responsibilities

• Optimize spacecraft trajectories and manoeuvre sequences balancing delta‑V and duration.

Skills

Python

STK

MONTE

Linux

Git

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics or Mathematics

Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics or Mathematics

PhD

Tools

STK

MONTE

Python

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Git

Linux

Job description

Job Title: Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Trajectory)

Location: Leander, TX

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Compensation: $190K /Year

Schedule: 40 Hours/Week

About the Opportunity:

We're seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer III to design and optimize spacecraft trajectories and maneuver sequences for missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. You'll combine advanced mission design with hands‑on flight dynamics operations, working closely with cross-functional teams to turn mission concepts into executable operations while supporting mission‑critical activities from concept through operations.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team‑driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
• People‑first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritises both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customise visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

What You'll Do:

• Optimize spacecraft trajectories and manoeuvre sequences while balancing delta‑V, mission duration, and payload requirements.
• Develop manoeuvre‑targeting algorithms, error budgets, sensitivity analyses, and contingency or abort plans.
• Support spacecraft missions as a flight dynamics operator, including manoeuvre reconstruction and spacecraft model improvement.
• Verify and validate flight dynamics models and software using analytical solutions, benchmarks, flight data, and unit tests.
• Develop technical documentation and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to translate mission designs into operational procedures and command sequences.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics or Mathematics
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in mission design or manoeuvre planning
• 5+ years of experience in supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
• 5+ years of experience in software development and modelling/simulation for spaceflight applications

What Sets You Apart:

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics or Mathematics
• PhD
• Expert‑level proficiency in STK for spacecraft trajectory design
• Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suite
• 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 design and manoeuvre planning
• Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applications
• Understanding of spacecraft attitude control and its impact on manoeuvre execution accuracy
• Strong understanding of targeting and optimisation methods
• Knowledge of estimation theory and uncertainty modelling
• Working knowledge of Python and Linux
• Proficiency with one or more commercial trajectory design software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar)
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and drug screen.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), all employees assigned to this client must provide documentation verifying their status as a 'U.S. Person,' as defined in ITAR clause 120.15. A U.S. Person is a protected individual under the anti‑discrimination provisions of U.S. immigration laws.

After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Acara Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Website Privacy Policy | Acara

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorised to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorisation status.