Lead mission design for cislunar missions focusing on trajectory optimization, collaborate cross-functionally, develop software, and support flight operations.
At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Mission Analysis and Flight Dynamics Engineer with a strong background in cislunar mission design, astrodynamics, and trajectory optimization. In this role, you will lead end-to-end mission design for our lunar lander and orbiter missions, optimize trajectories and station-keeping strategies, and support flight operations through orbit determination and maneuver planning. You will collaborate across disciplines, contribute to technical proposals, and develop advanced tools and methods that push the state of the art in mission and trajectory design.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end mission design for cislunar orbiter and lander missions, from concept studies through operations support.
- Design and optimize cislunar trajectories and station-keeping strategies.
- Define and trade mission architectures, coordinating with stakeholders to define and validate requirements.
- Develop custom mission design and analysis software.
- Perform Monte Carlo and covariance analyses.
- Support ground-based orbit determination and maneuver design during flight operations
- Present results during gated design reviews and support technical proposals.
- Author technical documentation, including analysis reports, design specifications, and procedures.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies, methodologies, and tools related to trajectory design and flight dynamics.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative culture, emphasizing excellence and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure interfaces are well-defined.
- Contribute to resource estimation and schedule planning efforts.
- Identify and mitigate risks to mission success.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field. We will consider a combination of experience and education.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in mission design, astrodynamics, or flight dynamics, with a focus on cislunar or interplanetary trajectory design and analysis.
- Strong fundamentals in orbital mechanics.
- Experience in one or more mission design and trajectory optimization tools, such as MONTE, Copernicus, EMTG, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.
- Understanding of ground-based navigation, statistical orbit determination, and maneuver design.
- Familiarity with other spacecraft systems (GNC, prop, comms, thermal, EDL, etc) and their dependencies on mission and trajectory design.
- Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Julia, Python, C++, Rust.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
What Makes You Stand Out!
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of professional experience in mission design, astrodynamics, or flight dynamics, with significant focus on cislunar trajectory design and analysis.
- Proficiency using the MONTE software package for trajectory design.
- Experience with both high-thrust and low-thrust trajectory optimization.
- Extensive experience writing and maintaining software packages in Python.
- Experience with DevOps processes including configuration control, continuous development and deployment workflows.
- Experience performing on-console spacecraft operations.
- Experience identifying and navigating the challenges of a startup environment.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work in a fast-paced design and development environment
- Schedule may vary depending on program development needs; flexibility required
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
#LI-LH1
At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.
ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.
Top Skills
C++
Copernicus
Emtg
Freeflyer
Gmat
Julia
Monte
Python
Rust
Stk/Odtk
ispace Denver, Colorado, USA Office
3001 N Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO, United States, 80216
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