Trajectory & Maneuver Design Engineer Position
Department: Space Navigation and Flight Dynamics (SNAFD)
Location: Littleton, CO
Application Deadline: December 31, 2022
Overview:
KinetX Aerospace Space Navigation and Flight Dynamics (SNAFD) team is a unique, trusted source for deep space mission design and navigation. Operating from Simi Valley, California, the team is a world-class provider of end-to-end orbit dynamics solutions, from mission design through orbit operations to end of life procedures.
Our engineers leverage their vast experience and proven skills to produce comprehensive mission analyses, trade studies, and systems engineering plans. We are the first privately held company to provide navigation and flight dynamics expertise for NASA's deep space missions; first for New Horizons to the Pluto System and for MESSENGER to Mercury, and have now expanded that portfolio to OSIRIS-REx, Lucy, DAVINCI, LunaH-Map, OSIRIS-APEX and more.
Using the best-practices approach to multi-mission navigation provides our customers with reliable customer-focused support in a very collaborative environment. We continue to grow our services for Government and Commercial space enterprise, pushing the frontiers in space exploration.
Task Description:
We are seeking qualified candidates for a full-time position with the Trajectory & Maneuver Design Group at KinetX, Inc. based in Littleton, CO. The primary responsibilities for the position include:
Become a member of the Trajectory and Maneuver Design Group to support current and future SNAFD deep space missions.
Perform trajectory and maneuver design functions such as:
Maneuver planning, design, and verification,
Trajectory planning and optimization,
Perform Monte Carlo analyses and trade studies on various mission phases,
Deliver maneuver designs and optimized spacecraft trajectories to the Navigation Team and Project,
Trend maneuver performance throughout mission.
Produce technical reports on maneuver design analysis or other engineering analysis.
Present analysis to the wider Navigation Team and Project.
Coordinate analyses with, and work alongside our industry and mission partners.
Contribute to the group development of ground navigation tools and software for trajectory and maneuver design.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related discipline.
GPA of 3.5 or higher (4.0 scale).
Knowledge in interplanetary navigation with expertise in at least one of: astrodynamics, orbit determination, flight path control, low thrust mission design, spacecraft guidance, or trajectory optimization.
Proficiency in Python and C, C++, PERL, MATLAB, and/or FORTRAN.
Excellent technical, communications and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated experience in leading work groups and teams.
Self-motivated individual capable of performing engineering tasks autonomously with minimal management oversight.
Must be a U.S. citizen
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in similar disciplines as listed above.
Significant course study, research, or previous work experience in Astrodynamics, Statistical Orbit Determination, Linear Control Theory, or Optimization
Familiarity with one or more of the following:
Deep space mission operations
Space systems engineering
Flight path control of deep space missions
Low thrust mission design
Familiarity with the NAIF SPICE toolkit
Proficiency or exposure to Mac and LINUX based systems
Knowledge or experience with code development and configuration management.
Additional Requirements:
Must be available to travel and work extended hours for team meetings and operations support, as needed.
Must be willing to cross-train in other deep space navigation disciplines at KinetX as required to maintain our multi-mission workforce
In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (C.R.S. § 8-5-101 et seq.) the estimated salary range for this position is $65k - $95k (Colorado location only). Final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualification and experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity
KinetX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; uniform service member status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Successful applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
To Apply:
Email Dan Wibben (Daniel.Wibben@kinetx.com) with the following:
Email Subject: Full Time KinetX Maneuver Position: <Your Name>
Cover Letter in email body
Attached Resume/CV in PDF