Leads flight dynamics across spacecraft missions from concept through on-orbit operations, including orbit design, trajectory optimization, launch analysis, delta-V budgeting, orbit determination, maneuver planning, conjunction assessment, and collision avoidance. Builds astrodynamics tools and automated workflows, integrates them with GNC, flight software, and mission operations, supports launch and anomaly resolution, and mentors engineers.
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to lead orbit design, trajectory analysis, and orbit determination analysis efforts across our spacecraft operations. You will own the flight dynamics function from early mission concept through launch, commissioning, and on-orbit operations. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to build scalable tools and processes in a fast-paced startup environment.
You will play a critical role in shaping mission architecture, ensuring orbital safety and compliance, and enabling reliable spacecraft operations. You will work closely with the engineering team, program management to ensure the successful build and launch of our satellite. Element will be the largest, most powerful rideshare satellite in LEO. We’re launching eight of them in the next four years, starting with our first launch this year. Together, our small team will design, build, and iterate to reduce mass and cost while increasing performance, reliability, and manufacturability of a new generation of satellites. Let’s build!
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead orbit design, trade studies, and trajectory optimization for LEO/GEO/cislunar/deep space missions (as applicable).
- Develop and maintain high-fidelity mission analysis models.
- Perform launch window analysis, injection targeting, and dispersions analysis.
- Define and validate ΔV budgets across all mission phases.
- Support constellation design, station-keeping strategies, and end-of-life disposal planning.
- Develop orbit determination strategies using tracking data (GNSS, radiometric, optical, etc.).
- Support maneuver planning, targeting, and execution analysis.
- Establish conjunction assessment and collision avoidance processes.
- Support mission readiness reviews, launch campaigns, and on-orbit anomaly resolution.
- Build, validate, and maintain flight dynamics tools and simulation environments.
- Automate analysis workflows to scale with company growth.
- Integrate tools with GNC, FSW, and mission operations pipelines.
- Evaluate and implement industry-standard tools (e.g., GMAT, STK, ODTK, MONTE, custom Python/C++ frameworks).
- Collaborate closely with GNC, propulsion, systems engineering, and mission operations teams.
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.
- Contribute to technical roadmaps and long-term mission strategy.
- Interface with customers, partners, and regulatory agencies as needed.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred).
- 5 years of experience in flight dynamics, mission analysis, or astrodynamics.
- Deep understanding of orbital mechanics and perturbation modeling, orbit determination and estimation techniques, maneuver design and optimization, and conjunction assessment and space traffic management
- Experience supporting real spacecraft missions through launch and operations.
- Strong programming skills (Python required; MATLAB, C++, or similar a plus).
- Experience with industry-standard astrodynamics tools.
- Ability to work independently in a high-ownership environment.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience with small satellite or constellation missions.
- Background in autonomous navigation or onboard orbit determination.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance (FCC, NOAA, ITU, Space-Track, etc.).
- Experience building internal analysis frameworks from scratch.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
CesiumAstro Broomfield, Colorado, USA Office
105 Edgeview Drive, Broomfield, CO, United States, 80021
CesiumAstro Westminster, Colorado, USA Office
10355 Westmoor Dr., Suite 100, Westminster, United States, 80021
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Robotics • Defense • Utilities
Support Dream Chaser flight operations through mission planning, trajectory design, mission analysis, ground-based navigation, and real-time mission control. Perform orbital mechanics and statistical orbit determination, guide navigation trades, develop and validate flight dynamics tools, and collaborate across engineering and flight control disciplines. Complete certification training and provide mission support from the Louisville Mission Control Center, including shiftwork during operations.
Top Skills:
FreeflyerMatlabPythonStk
eCommerce • Fashion • Retail • Sales • Wearables • Design
Provides personalized luxury retail service, builds client relationships, drives sales through styling and cross-selling, and meets individual and store KPIs. Operates POS and clienteling tools, processes transactions, supports inventory receiving and replenishment, maintains sales-floor standards, and assists with visual merchandising and daily store operations. Requires schedule flexibility, including nights, weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, plus the ability to lift and maneuver merchandise.
Top Skills:
Clienteling ToolsIpadLaptopMobile PosPoint-Of-Sale (Pos) SystemsShort-Form VideoSocial Selling PlatformsWalkie-Talkie
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Supports company-wide FP&A, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, variance analysis, reporting, and scenario planning. Owns R&D budget tracking, CAPEX planning, facilities OPEX forecasting, ROI analysis, and capitalization assessments. Partners with engineering, program management, operations, and leadership to align technical investments, headcount, and capital spending with business strategy and product milestones.
Top Skills:
Asc 350-40Asc 730Excel
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
