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Orbital Dynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our ... We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the development ...

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our ... We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the development ...

This facility provides operational flight dynamics support to 35+ satellites in various orbital ... Working as part of a cross-functional team of spacecraft flight dynamics engineers Some travel may ...

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight ... Your experience is in orbital flight dynamics or mission analysis, preferably related to low-Earth ...

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight ... Your experience is in orbital flight dynamics or mission analysis, preferably related to low-Earth ...

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight ... Your experience is in orbital flight dynamics or mission analysis, preferably related to low-Earth ...

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Greenbelt, MD ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

This facility provides operational flight dynamics support to 35+ satellites in various orbital ... Working as part of a cross-functional team of spacecraft flight dynamics engineers Some travel may ...

Showing results 41-60

Orbital Dynamics Engineer information

See salary details

$60K

$87.7K

$118K

How much do orbital dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for orbital dynamics engineer in the United States is $87,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an orbital dynamics engineer do?

An Orbital Dynamics Engineer is responsible for analyzing, designing, and predicting the paths of objects in space, such as satellites, spacecraft, and debris. They use principles of physics and mathematics to calculate trajectories, plan orbital maneuvers, and ensure mission objectives are achieved safely and efficiently. Their work is critical for satellite launches, space exploration missions, and maintaining safe operations in increasingly crowded orbits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orbital dynamics engineer?

To thrive as an Orbital Dynamics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and aerospace engineering, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with simulation software such as STK (Systems Tool Kit), MATLAB, and orbital mechanics modeling tools is commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and present complex analyses clearly. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient space missions and ensuring the accuracy of trajectory calculations.

What are some of the main challenges orbital dynamics engineers face when working on satellite missions?

Orbital Dynamics Engineers often encounter challenges related to predicting and managing the effects of gravitational forces, atmospheric drag, and other perturbations on satellite trajectories. They must also solve complex optimization problems to ensure efficient fuel usage and mission success, especially when planning multi-body maneuvers or satellite constellations. Collaborating closely with systems engineers, mission planners, and ground control teams is essential to integrate their calculations into overall mission design and respond to real-time anomalies. Staying updated with advances in simulation tools and space situational awareness is key to meeting these challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Orbital Dynamics Engineer jobs?

For Orbital Dynamics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Orbital Dynamics Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,739 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Kent, WA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers

  • Perform orbital propagation and station-keeping analysis for spacecraft operations

  • Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning


Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the development, analysis, and validation of advanced aerospace systems. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with hands-on simulation and systems engineering experience to support mission design, flight dynamics, and autonomous control system development. This position is located onsite in Seattle WA.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers
  • Perform orbital propagation and station-keeping analysis for spacecraft operations
  • Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning
  • Interface with flight software and GNC teams to validate and optimize guidance profiles
  • Contribute to development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure
  • Engage in multi-disciplinary vehicle systems investigations to motivate mission design, vehicle architecture, and analysis methodologies
  • Develop and evaluate flight termination system mission rules

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • Experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation
  • Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent.
  • Python software development

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, hypersonics, UAVs, or defense systems
  • Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent
  • Team and/or software project management experience

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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.

Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.