Flight Dynamics Engineer, Orbits R&D

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history.

• As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will work on a small team of dedicated engineers responsible for the Flight Dynamics and Mission Planning for Planet’s fleet of satellites. The Flight Dynamics disciplines of this team include mission design, orbit determination, maneuver design and execution (with propulsion and differential-drag), and conjunction assessment & mitigation. Mission Planning is concerned with optimal scheduling of imaging and contacts for Planet’s Dove, Sky Sat, Pelican, and Tanager constellations.
  
  This operations research problem has a direct impact on fulfilling the business needs for the world’s largest heterogeneous constellation of Earth Observation satellites. Your role will involve developing and automating tools to assess mission design trade-offs that will define the future of Planet's constellations.
• This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, physics or related technical field
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience
• Experience in orbital mechanics and space mission operations
• Software development experience in C++ and Python
• Ability to carry out first-principles analysis and operationalize MVP solutions
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills
• Experience with constellation and mission design trade studies
• Experience implementing one or more of the following:
• Experience maintaining peer-reviewed code, attention to quality including automated testing, and continuous integration and deployment
• This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
• These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
• 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to Linked In Learning
• Equity
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)