Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, Mission Operations

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. 

What You’ll Do 

• Provide Flight Dynamics and orbital mechanics subject matter expertise for mission operations Design and analyze spacecraft trajectories throughout mission lifecycle, with a focus on rendezvous proximity operations  

• Support ground software and and mission operations teams to develop automation tools Develop, validate, and maintain flight dynamics tools and simulation environments  

• Perform maneuver planning and delta-V optimization 

• Analyze spaceraft navigation performance and state estimation accuracy 

• Help create DRMs for proposals, presentations and other customer facing events. 

 What We’re Looking For 

Required 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree 

• The role requires 7 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics  

• Proficiency in Python/C  

• Technical knowledge of state estimation, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance, orbit determination and operations 

• Experience using STK, GMAT, Basalisk, or similar. 

• Git version control, or an equivalent version control system. 

• Experience supporting critical operations and working/ making decisions in high stress environments. 

• Ability to collaborate with interdciplinary teams in fast paced environments 

Your Ideal Background 

Preferred  

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field 

• Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, inspection, servicing, formation flying, or relative navigation mission design. 

• Experience supporting real-time or near-real-time flight dynamics operations, including maneuver planning, pass preparation, state assessment, anomaly response, and operator decision support. 

• Demonstrated ability to build internal engineering tools, automate analysis workflows, and convert complex astrodynamics problems into usable operational products. 

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. 

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.