Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, Mission Operations

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

About The Position

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. We are developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, enabling a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain. Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree
7+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics
Proficiency in Python/C++
Technical knowledge of state estimation, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance, orbit determination and operations
Experience using STK, GMAT, Basalisk, or similar.
Git version control, or an equivalent version control system.
Experience supporting critical operations and working/ making decisions in high stress environments.
Ability to collaborate with interdciplinary teams in fast paced environments

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, inspection, servicing, formation flying, or relative navigation mission design.
Experience supporting real-time or near-real-time flight dynamics operations, including maneuver planning, pass preparation, state assessment, anomaly response, and operator decision support.
Demonstrated ability to build internal engineering tools, automate analysis workflows, and convert complex astrodynamics problems into usable operational products.

Responsibilities

Provide Flight Dynamics and orbital mechanics subject matter expertise for mission operations
Design and analyze spacecraft trajectories throughout mission lifecycle, with a focus on rendezvous proximity operations
Support ground software and and mission operations teams to develop automation tools
Develop, validate, and maintain flight dynamics tools and simulation environments
Perform maneuver planning and delta-V optimization
Analyze spacecraft navigation performance and state estimation accuracy
Help create DRMs for proposals, presentations and other customer facing events.