Software Engineer, Flight Dynamics (Space)

TL;DR

Software Engineer, Flight Dynamics (Space): Develop orbit determination and flight dynamics software for LEO Earth-observation satellite constellation with an accent on fusing tracking data with dynamical models for precise spacecraft state estimation and prediction. Focus on building automation for operational workflows, resolving anomalies, and supporting mission planning including collision avoidance and maneuver execution.

San Jose, CA. This position requires access to export controlled information; must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or eligible to access without export authorization.

Company

End-to-end Space Systems Provider designing, building, and operating LEO satellite constellations for mission-critical Earth intelligence from climate monitoring to national security.

What you will do

• Operate and evolve orbit determination pipeline, fusing tracking data with dynamical models to estimate and predict spacecraft state
• Investigate and resolve orbit determination anomalies during continuous operational support
• Support orbit propagation, prediction for mission planning, and collision avoidance
• Develop and maintain automation for routine flight dynamics workflows toward autonomous operations
• Contribute to Muon's flight dynamics software (MuFDS) development
• Collaborate with systems and operations teams on maneuver planning and execution

Requirements

• B.S. or higher in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, physics, applied math, or related field
• 2+ years experience in orbit determination or general flight dynamics
• Software development experience in C++ and Python
• Understanding of orbit determination theory and methods (batch least squares, statistical filtering)
• Familiarity with modern software engineering practices (version control, code review, automated testing)
• Ability to translate first-principles analysis into production-level code
• Comfortable in fast-paced environment with evolving priorities

Nice to have

• Experience with spacecraft or mission operations environments
• Familiarity with astrodynamics data formats (TLEs, OEMs, ephemeris)
• Experience with propulsion planning or maneuver design for LEO satellites
• Experience with scheduling or constrained optimization (pass scheduling, contact planning)
• Experience with cloud-based services or ground software systems
• Comfortable in Linux-based development environments

Culture & Benefits

• Equity compensation, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, short/long-term disability, life insurance
• Three weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, paid parental leave
• Dedicated to diversity, equal employment opportunity, and global mission embracing the entire planet