Lead Astrodynamics Engineer (STK)

Summary

A Lead Astrodynamics Engineer leads the design and development of innovative aerospace software solutions and serves as an astrodynamics subject matter expert for the organization. In this role, the Lead Astrodynamics Engineer will use his/her expertise to develop strategic plans, refine requirements, and implement software solutions to achieve development objectives.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts extensive astrodynamics domain analysis in support of software development efforts
• Acts as a technical reference across groups or products
• Works directly within the software to investigate and improve software capabilities
• Works with customers or proxies to assess needs and develop solutions
• Develops and employs best practices and maintains them through technical reviews and mentoring
• Researches and understands the marketing requirements for products, including target environment, performance criteria and competitive issues
• Operates without direct supervision and functions as an organizational leader
• May be responsible for line management of a small technical team, but primary duties are of an individual technical nature

Minimum Education & Experience

• MS in Aerospace (Astro) Engineering or related field, plus 6 years’ aerospace domain experience, or a PhD and 4 years of relevant academic or industry experience
• Familiarity with software development and coding practices
• Ability to develop expertise in commercial aerospace software development
• A track record of delivering state-of-the-art results on complex problems

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Fluency with software development and coding practices, in particular C++, C#, etc.
• Excellent knowledge in one or more of the following domain areas:
  • Low-thrust trajectory optimization
  • General trajectory optimization
  • Optimal control
  • Attitude control & determination
  • Orbit determination
• Strong mathematical background, including partial derivatives, coordinate systems, transformations, and estimation theory (batch least squares and extended Kalman filters)
• Operational experience in orbit determination and/or spacecraft trajectory design
• Proven research skills within the astrodynamics community
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to drive success across teams and geographies, and to mentor others