Flight Dynamics Engineer, Orbits R&D
Core
Design, build, and operate the largest constellation of imaging satellites, delivering empirical data via a cloud-based platform to commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors.
Role type
Flight Dynamics Engineer (Orbits R&D)
Builds
Mission design, orbit determination, maneuver execution, and scheduling for Planet's Dove, SkySat, Pelican, and Tanager satellite constellations.
Domain
Aerospace / Satellite Constellation Operations / Earth Observation
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | infrastructure
Required skills
Orbital mechanics, Space mission operations, C++, Python, First-principles analysis, Software development, Optimization, Mission design trade-offs
Preferred skills
Orbit determination, High-fidelity propagation, Covariance realism, Low-thrust mission design, Maneuver automation, Constellation management, CI/CD pipelines
Technologies
C++, Python
Responsibilities
Research, design, and architect new software solutions for managing Mission Design needs; Work on complex optimization problems with knowledge of flight dynamics and software engineering; Develop and automate tools to assess mission design trade-offs; Collaborate with mission planning, flight dynamics, and ground software teams; Perform first-principles analysis to optimize scheduling of imaging and contacts.
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC
