Summer 2027 - Flight Dynamics Internship

Woven; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Flight Dynamics Intern for Summer 2027 to join our team onsite. You will support mission work through flight dynamics analysis, trajectory design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning, working closely with CesiumAstro engineers on trajectory design and validation.

This project-based internship emphasizes hands-on problem solving, documentation, and presenting results to mentors and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Completed coursework in orbital mechanics and additional coursework in flight dynamics, GNC, numerical methods, or related areas.
• Hands-on experience with Python for engineering simulation, data analysis, and scripting.
• Proven motivation to build, analyze, and solve challenging technical problems through personal, work, or school projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support flight dynamics analysis for space trajectories, spacecraft mission design, and maneuver planning.
• Collaborate with CesiumAstro engineers on trajectory design and optimization.
• Present work to peers, mentors, and CesiumAstro leadership.

Skills

Python scripting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Coursework in orbital mechanics

Coursework in flight dynamics

Tools

STK

GMAT

FreeFlyer

POST

OTIS

Git

Linux

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The CesiumAstro team is looking for a Flight Dynamics Intern to join us in Summer 2027.

As a Flight Dynamics Intern, you will support the development and operation of CesiumAstro missions through flight dynamics analysis spanning space trajectories, spacecraft mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning. This will be a project-based internship where you will have the opportunity to work on a flight dynamics assignment supporting an active program or future mission concept. You will work closely with CesiumAstro engineers on trajectory design and optimization, maneuver targeting, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, and the development and validation of flight dynamics tools.

During the program, interns will present their work to peers, mentors, and CesiumAstro executive leadership. As such, strong communication skills are essential.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in a Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or PhD program in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Completed coursework in orbital mechanics and additional coursework in flight dynamics, GNC, numerical methods, or related areas.
• Hands-on experience with Python for engineering simulation, data analysis, and scripting.
• Proven motivation to build, analyze, and solve challenging technical problems through personal, work, or school projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Coursework or project experience in trajectory optimization, spacecraft mission design, launch vehicle design, estimation, or probability and statistics.
• Familiarity with mission and trajectory analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, POST, OTIS, or similar.
• Experience with numerical optimization, targeting methods, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, or Monte Carlo simulation.
• Familiarity with software development practices including Git, software testing, documentation, and Linux.
• Experience developing or validating physics-based simulations for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other aerospace systems.

All CesiumAstro internships are compensated competitively and located onsite at one of our facilities.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.