Flight Dynamics Engineer III

Job#: 3052709
Job Description:
Flight Dynamics Engineer III
Location: Leander, Texas (Onsite)
Role Overview
As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in trajectory and maneuver design, 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 mission design with hands-on operational support while mentoring junior engineers.
Key Responsibilities

• Optimize spacecraft trajectories to satisfy mission requirements while balancing delta-V budgets, mission duration, and payload constraints.
• Design and maintain mission designs from the conceptual phase through the end of spacecraft mission operations.
• Develop algorithms to target maneuvers that achieve spacecraft mission objectives.
• Create maneuver error budgets and perform sensitivity analysis to assess robustness to execution uncertainties.
• Formulate and analyze contingency maneuver plans and abort scenarios for off-nominal conditions.
• Interface with cross-discipline teams to translate maneuver plans into executable command sequences and operational procedures.
• 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, and flight data.
• Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in mission design or maneuver planning.
• Experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases.
• Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applications.
• Understanding of spacecraft attitude control and its impact on maneuver execution accuracy.
• Strong understanding of targeting and optimization methods.
• Knowledge of estimation theory and uncertainty modeling.
• Experience in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications.
• Working knowledge of Python and Linux.
• Proficiency with one or more commercial trajectory design software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• Expert-level proficiency in STK for spacecraft trajectory design.
• Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suite.
• Software engineering expertise including skills in version control (Git), code review, automated testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows.
• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and maneuver planning.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
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