Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Orbit Determination), Elytra

Job Description

ABOUT Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch land and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond As the partner of choice for critical space missions Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24 hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing Headquartered in north Austin Texas Firefly is looking for passionate hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space SUMMARY As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in orbit determination at Firefly you will perform state estimation and navigation analysis for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space In this role you will process tracking data develop filtering algorithms and maintain high fidelity dynamical models while collaborating with cross functional teams to provide accurate navigation solutions and ephemerides This position combines advanced estimation theory measurement analysis and hands on flight operations support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast paced mission critical environment 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 spacecraft mission operations Create tracking schedules that provide orbit determination accuracy required to execute spacecraft missions spanning the LEO and cislunar regimes Tune filter parameters and optimize measurement weighting during mission operations to maximize orbit determination accuracy and robustness Develop and maintain high fidelity force models gravity drag solar radiation pressure thrust for accurate orbit determination Interface with cross discipline teams to provide accurate ephemerides navigation solutions and covariance data for mission planning and operations Serve as a flight dynamics operator for spacecraft missions and perform maneuver reconstruction to improve spacecraft models Perform verification and validation of flight dynamics models and software using analytical solutions benchmarks flight data and unit tests Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiences QUALIFICATIONS Required Bachelors degree in aerospace engineering physics mathematics or related field 5 8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant 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 least squares methods and Kalman filtering uncertainty modeling and covariance analysis Knowledge of spacecraft force modeling measurement models and tracking data sources affecting state estimation Familiarity with targeting and optimization methods Experience in software development and modelingsimulation for spaceflight applications Working knowledge of Python and Linux Proficiency with one or more commercial orbit determination software tools ODTK FreeFlyer GMAT or similar Excellent communication and presentation skills Preferred Advanced degree masters or PhD in aerospace engineering physics mathematics or related field Experience developing custom orbit determination or estimation algorithms Expert level capability in JPLs MONTE software suite for orbit determination Python proficiency Software engineering expertise including skills in version control Git code review automated testing documentation and CICD workflows Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory state estimation and orbit determination accuracy Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees including generous health dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles parental leave educational reimbursement short term disability and flexible PTO options To conform to US Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State Firefly Aerospace Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national originethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status