Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

About Firefly AerospaceFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.SummaryAs a Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer at Firefly, you will function as a technical authority in the company on spacecraft trajectory design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for missions spanning Earth orbit, cislunar space, and the lunar surface. This technical leadership role requires a seasoned expert with deep mastery of orbital mechanics and a proven track record of solving the most complex flight dynamics challenges on operational missions. The Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer will drive technical strategies, establish best practices, and shape future capabilities of the Firefly flight dynamics organization while mentoring and developing engineers of all levels. This position offers the opportunity to influence mission architectures from concept through operations, represent Firefly's technical excellence to customers and executive leadership, and solve unique problems that push the boundaries of spaceflight.ResponsibilitiesServe as a technical authority on flight dynamics, providing expertise across all spacecraft programs and mission phasesDevelop and validate novel flight dynamics methodologies, tools, and best practices for complex or unprecedented mission requirementsLead resolution of the most challenging flight dynamics problems across the companyProvide authoritative technical review and approval of all flight dynamics productsEstablish rigorous unit testing standards and practices to increase the reliability of flight dynamics softwareDrive flight dynamics strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment prioritiesChampion continuous improvement initiatives for flight dynamics processes, tools, and operational efficiencyRepresent flight dynamics expertise in executive-level technical reviews, mission milestone reviews, customer meetings, and proposal effortsMentor and coach engineers at all levels, fostering their technical growth and career developmentQUALIFICATIONSRequiredAdvanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field10+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with demonstrated expertise across mission design, orbit determination, or maneuver planningDemonstrated experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phasesMastery of orbital mechanics theory and applicationsExpertise in numerical optimization, root-solving techniques, and estimation theoryKnowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and state estimationProficiency in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applicationsSoftware engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflowsExperience with Python and LinuxProficiency with one or more commercial flight dynamics software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, ODTK, or similar)Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for flight dynamics teamsDemonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers at all levels, with a track record of cultivating new technical leadersExcellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholdersDesiredAdvanced Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suiteProficiency in spacecraft trajectory design using STKProven ability to influence technical direction and drive consensus across multidisciplinary organizationsExperience interfacing with program management, customers, and executive leadershipExperience representing organizations in customer meetings, technical reviews, and industry forumsExperience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for flight dynamics organizationsExperience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issuesTrack record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state-of-the-artFirefly 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 U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. 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 origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.