Flight Dynamics Manager

PDS Inc, LLC; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 185,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

PDS Inc. is seeking a Flight Dynamics Manager to lead a high-performing team focused on mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for operational spacecraft in LEO and cislunar environments.

The role blends technical leadership with people management to drive execution and capability growth. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in flight dynamics, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills, with advanced tools and programming experience.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in spacecraft flight dynamics (design, orbit, maneuvers).
• Proven track record supporting operational spacecraft missions across phases.
• Demonstrated people leadership of technical staff.
• Ability to set priorities and deliver in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of flight dynamics engineers, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, performance management, and career development.
• Own mission-critical flight dynamics functions including trajectory/mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, processes, and best practices for a scalable flight dynamics organization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to set objectives, prioritize work, and ensure timely mission support.
• Communicate complex technical topics clearly to a range of stakeholders, including non-technical audiences.
• Drive operating plans for the team, including resource planning and forecasting.
• Support operational readiness, including participation in anomaly investigations and resolution of mission-critical issues as needed.

Skills

Flight dynamics

People leadership

Mission design

Orbit determination

Maneuver planning

Communication

Python

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering/physics/math

Tools

STK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

ODTK

Python

Linux

Job description

Compensation: $185k-$205k

PDSinc LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Flight Dynamics Manager Role Overview

We’re seeking a Flight Dynamics Manager to lead a high-performing team responsible for mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for operational spacecraft missions across LEO and cislunar environments. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with people management, driving execution, standards, and long-term capability growth for flight dynamics operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of flight dynamics engineers, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, performance management, and career development
• Own mission-critical flight dynamics functions including trajectory/mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning
• Establish and maintain technical standards, processes, and best practices for a scalable flight dynamics organization
• Partner with cross-functional teams to set objectives, prioritize work, and ensure timely mission support
• Communicate complex technical topics clearly to a range of stakeholders, including non-technical audiences
• Drive operating plans for the team, including resource planning and forecasting
• Support operational readiness, including participation in anomaly investigations and resolution of mission-critical issues as needed

Required Qualifications

• Deep experience in spacecraft flight dynamics (mission design, orbit determination, maneuver planning)
• Proven track record supporting operational spacecraft missions across multiple mission phases
• Demonstrated people leadership experience managing technical staff
• Strong ability to set priorities, coordinate execution, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and how they impact trajectory design and navigation solutions
• Experience with Python and Linux
• Proficiency with flight dynamics tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, ODTK, or similar
• Experience defining technical roadmaps and capability upgrade initiatives

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field
• 10+ years of spacecraft flight dynamics experience
• 5+ years of technical team leadership experience, including direct people management

Additional Requirements

• US Person work authorization requirement

Benefits

• generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• parental leave
• educational reimbursement
• short term disability
• flexible PTO options