Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, Mission Operations
Katalyst Space Technologies · On-site
MeritLog read this listing from Katalyst Space Technologies's Greenhouse job board and last checked it on September 10, 2026.
Source: the employer's Greenhouse job board. Open the original listing for current details.
Job details
- Work model
- On-site
- Salary
- $140,000 – $180,000 per year
- Location
- Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Hiring context
How this role compares at Katalyst Space Technologies
Katalyst Space Technologies has 41 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 4 job families, and 32 of them are in engineering. 37 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 90%.
This role's posted range of $140,000 – $180,000 per year sits above 64% of the 36 other Katalyst Space Technologies roles quoted over the same currency and period.
Katalyst Space Technologies concentrates this hiring in:
Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.
What the role asks for
What you'd do
- Provide Flight Dynamics and orbital mechanics subject matter expertise for mission operations Design and analyze spacecraft trajectories throughout mission lifecycle, with a focus on rendezvous proximity operations
- Support ground software and and mission operations teams to develop automation tools Develop, validate, and maintain flight dynamics tools and simulation environments
- Perform maneuver planning and delta-V optimization
- Analyze spaceraft navigation performance and state estimation accuracy
- Help create DRMs for proposals, presentations and other customer facing events.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree
- The role requires 7+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics
- Proficiency in Python/C++
- Technical knowledge of state estimation, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance, orbit determination and 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
What they're asking for
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related fieldEducationPreferred
- Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, inspection, servicing, formation flying, or relative navigation mission design.SkillPreferred
- Experience supporting real-time or near-real-time flight dynamics operations, including maneuver planning, pass preparation, state assessment, anomaly response, and operator decision support.SkillPreferred
- Demonstrated ability to build internal engineering tools, automate analysis workflows, and convert complex astrodynamics problems into usable operational products.SkillPreferred
Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.
Job description
Katalyst Description: Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain. Katalyst Culture: 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. What You’ll Do • Provide Flight Dynamics and orbital mechanics subject matter expertise for mission operations Design and analyze spacecraft trajectories throughout mission lifecycle, with a focus on rendezvous proximity operations • Support ground software and and mission operations teams to develop automation tools Develop, validate, and maintain flight dynamics tools and simulation environments • Perform maneuver planning and delta-V optimization • Analyze spaceraft navigation performance and state estimation accuracy • Help create DRMs for proposals, presentations and other customer facing events. What We’re Looking For Required • A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree • The role requires 7+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics • Proficiency in Python/C++ • Technical knowledge of state estimation, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance, orbit determination and 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 Your Ideal Background Preferred • Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or 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. Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Compensation and Benefits: 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 at Katalyst. You 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.
Keep exploring
More Engineering roles
- Forward Deployed Software EngineerPalantir · Hybrid
- Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous SystemsPalantir · Hybrid
- Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Internship - CommercialPalantir · On-site
- Forward Deployed Infrastructure Engineer - US GovernmentPalantir · Hybrid
- Forward Deployed Infrastructure Engineer - US GovernmentPalantir · Hybrid
- Full Stack Software Engineer - Application DevelopmentPalantir · Hybrid