Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Trajectory), Elytra

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 Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in trajectory and maneuver design at Firefly, you will design and optimize spacecraft trajectories and maneuver sequences for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will develop targeting algorithms, create error budgets, and serve as a flight dynamics operator while collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate mission designs into executable operations. This position combines advanced mission design with hands-on operational support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.ResponsibilitiesOptimize spacecraft trajectories to satisfy mission requirements while balancing delta-V budgets, mission duration, and payload constraintsDesign and maintain mission designs from the conceptual phase through the end of spacecraft mission operationsDevelop algorithms to target maneuvers that achieve spacecraft mission objectivesCreate maneuver error budgets and perform sensitivity analysis to assess robustness to execution uncertaintiesFormulate and analyze contingency maneuver plans and abort scenarios for off-nominal conditionsInterface with cross-discipline teams to translate maneuver plans into executable command sequences and operational proceduresServe as a flight dynamics operator for spacecraft missions and perform maneuver reconstruction to improve spacecraft modelsPerform verification and validation of flight dynamics models and software using analytical solutions, benchmarks, flight data, and unit testsAuthor technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiencesQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in mission design or maneuver planningExperience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phasesAdvanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applicationsUnderstanding of spacecraft attitude control and its impact on maneuver execution accuracyStrong understanding of targeting and optimization methodsKnowledge of estimation theory and uncertainty modelingExperience in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applicationsWorking knowledge of Python and LinuxProficiency with one or more commercial trajectory design software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar)Excellent communication and presentation skillsDesiredAdvanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related fieldExpert-level proficiency in STK for spacecraft trajectory designPython proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suiteSoftware engineering expertise including skills in version control (Git), code review, automated testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflowsComprehensive knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and maneuver planningProven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilitiesFirefly 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.