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Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer Verified today

CesiumAstro · Westminster, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03
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About the Role

CesiumAstro is seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to lead orbit design, trajectory analysis, and orbit determination efforts across spacecraft operations. You will own the flight dynamics function from early mission concept through launch, commissioning, and on-orbit operations. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to build scalable tools and processes in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will shape mission architecture, ensure orbital safety and compliance, and enable reliable spacecraft operations. Element is the largest and most powerful rideshare satellite planned for LEO. Eight Element satellites are scheduled for launch over the next four years, with the first launch this year.

Responsibilities

  • Lead orbit design, trade studies, and trajectory optimization for LEO/GEO/cislunar/deep space missions.
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity mission analysis models.
  • Perform launch window analysis, injection targeting, and dispersions analysis.
  • Define and validate Delta-V budgets across all mission phases.
  • Support constellation design, station-keeping strategies, and end-of-life disposal planning.
  • Develop orbit determination strategies using tracking data (GNSS, radiometric, optical, etc.).
  • Support maneuver planning, targeting, and execution analysis.
  • Establish conjunction assessment and collision avoidance processes.
  • Support mission readiness reviews, launch campaigns, and on-orbit anomaly resolution.
  • Build, validate, and maintain flight dynamics tools and simulation environments.
  • Automate analysis workflows to scale with company growth.
  • Integrate tools with GNC, FSW, and mission operations pipelines.
  • Evaluate and implement industry-standard tools (GMAT, STK, ODTK, MONTE, custom Python/C++ frameworks).
  • Collaborate closely with GNC, propulsion, systems engineering, and mission operations teams.
  • Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Contribute to technical roadmaps and long-term mission strategy.
  • Interface with customers, partners, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Requirements

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred).
  • 5 years of experience in flight dynamics, mission analysis, or astrodynamics.
  • Deep understanding of orbital mechanics and perturbation modeling, orbit determination and estimation techniques, maneuver design and optimization, and conjunction assessment and space traffic management.
  • Experience supporting real spacecraft missions through launch and operations.
  • Strong programming skills (Python required; MATLAB, C++, or similar preferred).
  • Experience with industry-standard astrodynamics tools.
  • Ability to work independently in a high-ownership environment.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with small satellite or constellation missions.
  • Background in autonomous navigation or onboard orbit determination.
  • Familiarity with regulatory compliance (FCC, NOAA, ITU, Space-Track, etc.).
  • Experience building internal analysis frameworks from scratch.

Employment Details

Full-time position. Compensation includes company stock options and benefits package: health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability, and retirement plans.

U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required to comply with United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations.