Sr. Trajectory Analysis Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

As a Trajectory Analysis Engineer, you will be responsible for finding creative analysis solutions to enable the world’s most advanced rockets, including our next-generation Starship vehicle, a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans to Mars and beyond. You will work with a talented team of accomplished engineers to iterate on mission objectives for upcoming and future flights to ensure flight safety objectives are met. You should thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where you adapt quickly and love to solve hard problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Analyze launch vehicle trajectories and vehicle performance in the presence of faults

Find creative flight plan solutions to enable mission objectives, while maintaining safe vehicle operation

Generate and submit flight safety deliverables

Produce and present trajectory analysis products for internal and external partners

Interface with internal operations teams, flight reliability teams, hardware teams, and external regulatory partners such as the FAA.

Engage in multi-disciplinary vehicle systems investigations to motivate mission design, vehicle architecture, and analysis methodologies

Develop and evaluate flight termination system mission rules

Support launch and mission operations of vehicles that you enabled

Conduct flight data review

Automate mission-to-mission trajectory analysis product generation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline AND 5+ years of professional experience

Experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation

Experience with the software languages Python or C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of professional experience in trajectory analysis and aerodynamics

Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems

Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

Experience with system trades and first-hand knowledge of how requirements tie hardware to larger systems

Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.