Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer — Orbit Determination

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

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