Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Orbit Determination), Elytra

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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