Operation Engineer III, Flight Dynamics

YOUR MISSION

We are seeking an experienced Flight Dynamics Engineer to support advanced satellite rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). This role will focus on supporting on-orbit mission operations through orbit determination, maneuver planning, conjunction assessment, and performance monitoring across nominal and off-nominal scenarios. This role develops and prototypes analytical tools, scripts, and workflows to improve operational efficiency, decision quality, and automation, while providing timely analysis in support of real-time and near-real-time operations. Working closely with mission operations, GNC, and software teams, the Flight Dynamics Engineer translates operational needs into practical flight dynamics solutions, validates methods through simulation and on-orbit data, and contributes to the continuous improvement of operational concepts and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, simulate, and execute spacecraft missions spanning from early-orbit operations to RPO taskings.
• Lead development and integration of automation and mission planning tools to enhance mission planning, execution, and post-analysis.
• Provide subject matter expertise for company ground system and flight software development.
• Provide surge support as both an operator and developer for mission engineering, systems engineering, and GNC/AA teams to ensure mission and operational readiness.
• Monitor spacecraft telemetry and health in real-time during operations; identify anomalies and support mitigation
• Assist in the development of operational procedures, flight rules, and checklists for RPO activities
• Conduct post-mission analysis and lessons-learned sessions to continuously improve operational processes
• Conduct orbit state determination for cooperative, non-cooperative, and uncooperative SVs and derive intent

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• Strong understanding of astrodynamics, control & optimization, and satellite subsystems
• History of solving astrodynamics problems in programming languages such as Typescript, Python, & C/C++
• 5+ years of spacecraft operations and simulation experience, preferably including rendezvous and proximity operations
• Proven ability to work effectively in high-pressure, real-time mission environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field, preferably with a focus on applied astrodynamics and control of spacecraft.
• Prior experience developing mod & sim capabilities
• Experience with open-loop and closed-loop spacecraft operations
• Prior experience in multi-satellite missions, RPO, or on-orbit servicing mission
• Security clearance or eligibility to obtain

COMPENSATION

• Colorado Base Salary: $105,000 - $170,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—This is an onsite position, we are seeking candidates based near Colorado Springs, CO.
• Work Schedule—flexibility to support 24/7 mission operations, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability during mission-critical events and anomaly response.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

Skills & Tags