Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Orbit Determination), Elytra

ABOUT

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in orbit determination at Firefly, you will perform state estimation and navigation analysis for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will process tracking data, develop filtering algorithms, and maintain high-fidelity dynamical models while collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide accurate navigation solutions and ephemerides. This position combines advanced estimation theory, measurement analysis, and hands-on flight operations support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop algorithms to process measurement data and determine the position and velocity of operational spacecraft

• Perform orbit determination error budgeting and covariance analysis from early mission design through spacecraft mission operations

• Create tracking schedules that provide orbit determination accuracy required to execute spacecraft missions spanning the LEO and cislunar regimes

• Tune filter parameters and optimize measurement weighting during mission operations to maximize orbit determination accuracy and robustness

• Develop and maintain high-fidelity force models (gravity, drag, solar radiation pressure, thrust) for accurate orbit determination

• Interface with cross-discipline teams to provide accurate ephemerides, navigation solutions, and covariance data for mission planning and operations

• 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, flight data, and unit tests

• Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiences

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field

• 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in orbit determination or navigation

• Experience performing orbit determination for operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases

• Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applications

• Strong understanding of estimation theory (least squares methods and Kalman filtering), uncertainty modeling, and covariance analysis

• Knowledge of spacecraft force modeling, measurement models, and tracking data sources affecting state estimation

• Familiarity with targeting and optimization methods

• Experience in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications

• Working knowledge of Python and Linux

• Proficiency with one or more commercial orbit determination software tools (ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Preferred

• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field

• Experience developing custom orbit determination or estimation algorithms

• Expert-level capability in JPL's MONTE software suite for orbit determination

• Python proficiency

• 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 state estimation and orbit determination accuracy

• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities

Firefly 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