Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

Firefly Aerospace

Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in spacecraft trajectory design and orbital mechanics at Firefly Aerospace. Leading technical strategies and mentoring engineers across mission phases.

Posted 4/29/2026full-timeCedar Park • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
parental leave
educational reimbursement
short term disability
flexible PTO options

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

flight dynamicsorbital mechanicsnumerical optimizationroot-solving techniquesestimation theorysoftware developmentmodelingsimulationPythonLinux

Soft Skills

mentoringcoachingcommunicationtechnical leadershipcontinuous improvement