Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, Mission Operations

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, Mission Operations Katalyst Description

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What youdo there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines thatlay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained,responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands‑on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

• Provide Flight Dynamicsand orbital mechanics subject matterexpertisefor mission operations
  
  Design and analyze spacecraft trajectories throughout missionlifecycle, with a focus on rendezvous proximity operations
• Supportground software andandmission operations teams todevelopautomationtools
  
  Develop,validate, andmaintainflight dynamics tools and simulation environments
• Per form m aneuver planning and delta‑V optimization
• Analyzespaceraftnavigation performance andstateestimation accuracy
• Help create DRMs for proposals, presentations and other customer facing events.

• ABachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree
• The role requires7+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics
• Technical knowledge ofstate estimation, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance, orbitdeterminationand operations
• Experience using STK, GMAT,Basalisk, or similar.
• Git version control, or an equivalent version control system.
• Experience supporting critical operations and working/ making decisions in high stress environments.
• Ability to collaborate with interdciplinary teams in fast paced environments

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineeringor related field
• Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, inspection, servicing, formation flying, or relative navigation mission design.
• Experience supporting real-time or near‑real‑time flight dynamics operations, including maneuver planning, pass preparation, state assessment, anomaly response, and operator decision support.
• Demonstrated ability to build internal engineering tools, automate analysis workflows, and convert complex astrodynamics problems into usable operational products.

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Your 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. The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  will also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120‑130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR‑controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non‑US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Due to contractual requirements associated with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.