Flight Dynamics Engineer (Spacecraft Operations)

Location: Oxfordshire, UK, Didcot; hybrid working available, with the role based at hirify.global UK (Harwell). Participation in 24/7 shifts during mission phases and on-call rotations is required. UK employment eligibility and eligibility for, or current holding of, UK SC Security clearance are required.

Company

hirify.global develops on-orbit servicing solutions for life extension, refurbishment, upgrades, space situational awareness, end-of-life missions, and active debris removal.

What you will do

• Define and review flight dynamics requirements, mission analysis studies, system architectures, technical notes, and spacecraft and ground-segment documentation.
• Develop mathematically intensive in-house flight dynamics software and contribute across design, implementation, testing, validation, and operational deployment.
• Manage space traffic operations, including conjunction warning assessment and collision-avoidance manoeuvre planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Plan, support, and evaluate orbital and attitude manoeuvres, relative navigation, rendezvous, inspection, docking, separation, and capture activities.
• Develop, validate, and maintain nominal and contingency mission operations procedures, including automated and manual procedures; perform routine and critical real-time operations.
• Interface with contractors, GNC, spacecraft operations, ground-segment, and multidisciplinary teams; investigate spacecraft anomalies and support their resolution.

Requirements

• University degree in aeronautics, computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a relevant science discipline.
• At least 5 years of commercial space flight dynamics experience.
• Excellent knowledge of orbital mechanics and flight dynamics.
• Experience using MATLAB or similar simulation software.
• Experience with mission analysis and requirements definition.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently.
• Must be eligible for employment in the UK at the time of application.
• Must be eligible to gain, or currently hold, UK Security clearance to SC level.

Nice to have

• Current security clearance.
• Master's degree or doctorate in a relevant field.
• Experience in flight dynamics operations and agile methodology.
• Experience with C++, Python, scripting, and basic Linux.
• Experience in regression testing and version control.
• Education or experience in Guidance, Navigation and Control.
• Education or experience in image processing and object reconstruction methods.
• Familiarity with flight dynamics design architecture.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working and flexible working around core hours.
• Optional 9/75 working pattern.
• 25 days of holiday, increasing yearly to a maximum of 28 days, plus 8 Bank Holidays.
• Life insurance, long-term sick pay, and private healthcare.
• Relocation allowance and visa sponsorship for eligible employees.
• Work with an international team using cutting-edge technology at a state-of-the-art office and cleanroom facility.