Flight Dynamics Software Engineer

The role

You will build and maintain the flight dynamics software stack that handles orbit determination, propagation, maneuver planning, conjunction assessment and collision avoidance for a fleet of satellites. You will also support satellite operations and mission engineers with astrodynamics expertise.

What you will do

• Implement and improve algorithms for orbit determination, orbit propagation, maneuver planning, conjunction assessment, collision avoidance and attitude modeling
• Contribute to the open-source astrodynamics tooling used in flight operations and simulation
• Develop and maintain the flight dynamics ground software backend applications that compute, store and serve ephemerides, maneuvers, conjunctions and target orbits
• Work with systems and mission engineers to turn mission requirements and customer demands into operational outcomes in orbit
• Support satellite operations engineers with astrodynamics expertise during LEOP, anomalies and conjunction response
• Help configure the software stack for customer missions

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• Deep technical understanding of some of: orbital mechanics, state estimation, spacecraft maneuver planning, conjunction assessment, spacecraft attitude modeling
• Fundamentals of numerical methods: solvers, optimization and simulation techniques
• Experience designing and developing software libraries and backend services in Python
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to have

• Master's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• Proficiency in astrodynamics tools such as STK, Astrogator, GMAT, OreKit, Monte, Copernicus, OpenSpaceToolkit, or equivalent
• Practical experience in spacecraft constellation flight dynamics operations
• Practical experience building high-performance backend software applications and/or libraries
• Ability to solve complex problems in a highly collaborative environment

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental and vision for you and your dependents
• 100% company-paid life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Fully paid parental leave: 16 weeks for birthing parents, 10 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Flexible time off and 12 paid holidays
• HSA with employer contribution, FSAs and commuter benefits
• Carrot Fertility, One Medical and a free Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) and equity
• Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
• Annual company off-site and regular social events
• International exposure to the team in France
• Relocation assistance when applicable

Before you apply

• Attach a copy of your resume in English

About the company

Loft provides governments, companies and research institutions with end-to-end missions in orbit, including integrating, launching and operating spacecraft. Founded in 2017, it has flown more than 30 missions and is growing its fleet toward 30 satellites by 2027.