Sr. Trajectory Analysis Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level engineers with trajectory analysis expertise who thrive in fast-paced aerospace environments.

Best fit for

  • Engineers with launch vehicle trajectory analysis experience and Python/C++ skills.
    — “Experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation
  • Professionals comfortable with extended hours and dynamic problem-solving.
    — “thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where you adapt quickly
  • Candidates passionate about human spaceflight and mission safety.
    — “Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

Things to consider

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or meet ITAR requirements.
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national
  • Requires willingness to work extended hours and weekends.
    — “Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific examples of solving complex trajectory problems independently.
    — “Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision
  • Demonstrate experience with flight safety deliverables and regulatory interfaces.
    — “Generate and submit flight safety deliverables
  • Showcase automation skills in trajectory analysis product generation.
    — “Automate mission-to-mission trajectory analysis product generation
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • analyze launch vehicle trajectories
  • generate and submit flight safety deliverables
  • produce trajectory analysis products
  • interface with internal and external partners
Typical background
engineering degreetrajectory analysis experiencelaunch vehicle systems experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Orbital MechanicsClassical DynamicsModelingSimulationPythonC++

Preferred

Trajectory AnalysisAerodynamicsFlight SafetySystem Trades

Stack & domain

PythonC++Orbital MechanicsClassical DynamicsModelingSimulationSystem TradesProblem SolvingCommunicationTeamworkAerospaceSpacecraft Systems

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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