Orbit Determination Engineer, Flight Dynamics Flexible PTO

Cedarparktexasedc; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision plans

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO options

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in orbit determination. You will perform state estimation, process tracking data, and develop filtering algorithms for operational missions in LEO and cislunar space.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide accurate navigation solutions and ephemerides, guiding mission planning and operations. The role requires strong estimation theory knowledge, experience with orbit determination tools, and mentoring junior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with 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, covariance analysis, and measurement models.
• 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 tools (ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

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 mission operations.
• Create tracking schedules providing required orbit determination accuracy for LEO and cislunar missions.
• Tune filter parameters and optimize measurement weighting during mission operations.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity force models (gravity, drag, solar radiation pressure, thrust).
• Interface with cross-discipline teams to provide ephemerides, navigation solutions, and covariance data.
• Serve as a flight dynamics operator for spacecraft missions and perform maneuver reconstruction.
• Perform verification and validation of flight dynamics models and software.
• Author technical documentation and analysis reports for diverse audiences.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field

Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field

Tools

ODTK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

MONTE

Python

Git

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in orbit determination. You will perform state estimation, process tracking data, and develop filtering algorithms for operational missions in LEO and cislunar space.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide accurate navigation solutions and ephemerides, guiding mission planning and operations. The role requires strong estimation theory knowledge, experience with orbit determination tools, and mentoring junior