Sr. Trajectory Analysis Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

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

Best fit for

  • Engineers with 5+ years in launch vehicle trajectory analysis and fault modeling.
    — “5+ years of professional experience in trajectory analysis and aerodynamics
  • Candidates who excel at solving complex problems autonomously or in teams.
    — “Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision
  • Professionals passionate about advancing human spaceflight and Mars missions.
    — “Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

Things to consider

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
    — “Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required due to ITAR regulations.
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific examples of mission-critical trajectory solutions you developed.
    — “Find creative flight plan solutions to enable mission objectives
  • Demonstrate experience with FAA or other regulatory partner collaborations.
    — “Interface with internal operations teams, flight reliability teams, hardware teams, and external regulatory partners such as the FAA
  • Showcase automation skills for trajectory analysis product generation.
    — “Automate mission-to-mission trajectory analysis product generation
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Mid Level

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

What success looks like

  • launch vehicle trajectories
  • flight safety deliverables
  • trajectory analysis products
Typical background
physicsengineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Orbital MechanicsClassical DynamicsModeling And SimulationPythonC++

Preferred

Trajectory AnalysisAerodynamicsLaunch Vehicle SystemsSpacecraft Systems

Stack & domain

Trajectory AnalysisOrbital MechanicsClassical DynamicsModeling And SimulationPythonC++Flight SafetyMission RulesFlight Data ReviewMission-to-mission Trajectory AnalysisSolving Complex ProblemsCommunication SkillsTeamworkProblem-solvingRequirements Tying Hardware To Larger SystemsPassion For Advancing The Commercial Space IndustryLaunch Vehicle TrajectoriesVehicle PerformanceFlight Plan SolutionsMission ObjectivesVehicle Systems InvestigationsFlight Termination System Mission RulesLaunch And Mission OperationsCommercial Space IndustryHuman Spaceflight

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    

Trajectory Analysis Engineer/Senior: $140,000.00 - $205,000.00/per year    

    

Your actual level and 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.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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)

Similar roles