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Lead Flight Dynamics Engineer
5205 Leesburg Pike Ste 1503 Falls Church, VA 22041 US
Job Description
Position Title: Lead Flight Dynamics Engineer
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Lead Flight Dynamics Engineer opportunity located in Falls Church, VA.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Maneuver planning:
- Lead the planning and execution of satellite maneuvers to optimize orbital parameters, such as altitude adjustments, inclination changes, and phasing maneuvers.
- Develop maneuver strategies to maximize operational efficiency, extend satellite lifetime, and maintain desired constellation geometries.
2. Constellation analysis:
- Perform detailed analysis of constellation configurations to optimize system performance and meet mission objectives.
- Implement algorithms and tools for constellation planning, including orbit determination and constellation design optimization.
3. COLA assessment:
- Using a combination of tools and developed algorithms, conduct comprehensive conjunction analysis to assess potential collisions between satellites and space debris, ensuring safety and integrity of the satellite constellation and orbital environment.
4. Tool development and improvements.
- Drive the development and enhancement of software tools for orbital dynamics analysis, incorporating advanced algorithms and automation capabilities to streamline processes and improve decision-making.
Job Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency in orbital mechanics principles, satellite dynamics, and control theory, with a strong foundation in academic or professional experience.
- Strong analytical, conceptual, and troubleshooting abilities to address complex orbital dynamics challenges and optimize satellite performance.
- Previous experience in performing satellite conjunction assessments, including evaluating close approaches, assessing collision risks, and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure satellite safety.
- Knowledge of Space Situational Awareness principles, including tracking and cataloging space objects, assessing space debris environments, and interpreting Conjunction Data Messages.
- Proficiency in numerical methods and algorithms relevant to orbital dynamics, such as numerical integration techniques for solving differential equations governing spacecraft motion, and algorithms for orbit optimization and trajectory design.
- Comfort and proficiency in software tool development, with experience in designing, implementing, and refining tools for orbital dynamics analysis and operations.
Job Details:
- Direct Hire
- Location: Falls Church, VA
About Protingent: Protingent is a niche provider of top Engineering and IT talent to Software, Electronics, Medical Device, Telecom, and Aerospace companies nationwide. Protingent exists to make a positive impact and contribution to the lives of others as well as our community by providing relevant, rewarding, and exciting work opportunities for our candidates.
Meet Your Recruiter
Abby Hubbard
I joined Protingent in the Spring of 2021 as a sales intern, transitioning to a full-time Technical Recruiter after graduating from the University of Washington in June 2021. Initially, I focused on supporting our spaceflight clients, later expanding to industries such as sustainable energy and nuclear power. While I’ve broadened my recruiting scope, I’m still partial to aerospace engineering, especially anything related to propulsion technology.
My recruiting style focuses on individual candidate needs and relationship building. My philosophy is to lead with empathy and integrity. My favorite thing about recruiting is the opportunity to learn something new every day by talking to the most intelligent people/engineers, as well as the potential to impact critical industries at the staffing level.
When I’m not recruiting, I love spending time outdoors – hiking, camping, roller skating, reading in parks, and swimming in Lake Union (when the Seattle weather permits). I also enjoy thrift shops, sewing/up-cycling clothes, and shooting 35mm film.