Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

As a Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer at Firefly, you will function as a technical authority in the company on spacecraft trajectory design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for missions spanning Earth orbit, cislunar space, and the lunar surface. This technical leadership role requires a seasoned expert with deep mastery of orbital mechanics and a proven track record of solving the most complex flight dynamics challenges on operational missions. The Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer will drive technical strategies, establish best practices, and shape future capabilities of the Firefly flight dynamics organization while mentoring and developing engineers of all levels. This position offers the opportunity to influence mission architectures from concept through operations, represent Firefly's technical excellence to customers and executive leadership, and solve unique problems that push the boundaries of spaceflight.

Requirements

Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
10+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with demonstrated expertise across mission design, orbit determination, or maneuver planning
Demonstrated experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
Mastery of orbital mechanics theory and applications
Expertise in numerical optimization, root-solving techniques, and estimation theory
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and state estimation
Proficiency in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications
Software engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
Experience with Python and Linux
Proficiency with one or more commercial flight dynamics software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, ODTK, or similar)
Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for flight dynamics teams
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers at all levels, with a track record of cultivating new technical leaders
Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Advanced Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suite
Proficiency in spacecraft trajectory design using STK
Proven ability to influence technical direction and drive consensus across multidisciplinary organizations
Experience interfacing with program management, customers, and executive leadership
Experience representing organizations in customer meetings, technical reviews, and industry forums
Experience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for flight dynamics organizations
Experience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues
Track record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state-of-the-art

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical authority on flight dynamics, providing expertise across all spacecraft programs and mission phases
Develop and validate novel flight dynamics methodologies, tools, and best practices for complex or unprecedented mission requirements
Lead resolution of the most challenging flight dynamics problems across the company
Provide authoritative technical review and approval of all flight dynamics products
Establish rigorous unit testing standards and practices to increase the reliability of flight dynamics software
Drive flight dynamics strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities
Champion continuous improvement initiatives for flight dynamics processes, tools, and operational efficiency
Represent flight dynamics expertise in executive-level technical reviews, mission milestone reviews, customer meetings, and proposal efforts
Mentor and coach engineers at all levels, fostering their technical growth and career development