Lead Flight Dynamics Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 2,988,000 - 4,647,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Health, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plan

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Flight Dynamics Engineer for a fully remote role, guiding trajectory and control system development for space missions. You will mentor a team of engineers, define technical direction, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure mission success.

The role emphasizes orbital mechanics expertise, proficiency with STK/MATLAB/Python/C++, and experience in mission design and operations. Join a remote, high-impact engineering environment with substantial ownership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of direct experience in flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or spacecraft attitude control.
• Proven ability to develop and validate complex orbital mechanics algorithms.
• Proficiency with STK, MATLAB, Python, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate spacecraft trajectory algorithms and optimization methods.
• Design and analyze attitude determination and control (ADCS) systems for spacecraft.
• Plan and analyze orbit maneuvers to ensure mission success and safety.
• Create and maintain simulation environments for flight dynamics analysis.
• Lead requirements definition for flight dynamics subsystems and software.

Skills

Leadership

Flight dynamics

Orbital mechanics

ADCS

STK

MATLAB

Python

C++

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace/Astronautics/Physics

Tools

STK

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in innovative satellite technology and space exploration, is looking for an experienced Lead Flight Dynamics Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This is a critical leadership position where you will guide the development and execution of sophisticated flight dynamics solutions for a variety of space missions. You will leverage your deep expertise to ensure the stable and precise motion of spacecraft, optimizing trajectories and control systems. This role is designed for an individual passionate about orbital mechanics and spacecraft operations, capable of thriving in a collaborative, virtual environment. You will be responsible for setting technical direction and mentoring a team of talented engineers, all while working from your chosen remote location. This position offers the chance to shape the future of space missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate algorithms for spacecraft trajectory determination, prediction, and optimization.
• Design and analyze spacecraft attitude determination and control (ADCS) systems.
• Perform orbit maneuvers planning and analysis, ensuring mission success and safety.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated simulation environments for flight dynamics analysis.
• Lead the technical effort in defining requirements for flight dynamics subsystems and software.
• Conduct in-orbit operations support, including anomaly resolution and contingency planning.
• Mentor and guide junior flight dynamics engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.
• Contribute to proposal efforts and technical reviews, presenting findings clearly and concisely.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in flight dynamics and astrodynamics.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of direct experience in flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or spacecraft attitude control.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and validating complex orbital mechanics algorithms.
• Proficiency with relevant software tools such as STK, MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Experience with spacecraft mission design, planning, and operations.
• Strong understanding of ADCS hardware and software principles.
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience managing technical projects or teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to virtual collaboration.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial salary and comprehensive benefits, tailored for their remote workforce. This includes premium health, dental, and vision coverage, ample paid time off, robust retirement savings plans with generous company contributions, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Support for home office equipment and reliable internet access is provided. Embrace a role with significant impact, cutting-edge technology, and the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement, fostering innovation and personal achievement.