Entry Level Flight Dynamics Engineer
The Entry Level Flight Dynamics Engineer will work onsite in Boulder, CO, supporting live satellite operations by developing and maintaining orbital mechanics software tools. This role involves scripting in Python and MATLAB to process telemetry data, run simulations, and assist in real-time flight dynamics operations under senior mentorship. The position offers direct access to expert leadership and a collaborative environment focused on applied astrodynamics and software development.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, aerospace.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
The Opportunity
Confidential Client is seeking an ambitious, intellectually curious Entry Level Flight Dynamics Engineer to join a small, fast-moving aerospace team in Boulder, CO. This is an on-site, hands-on role where you’ll work directly with senior astrodynamics mentors, operate on live mission data, and help move algorithms from academic prototypes into production-grade tools that affect live satellite operations.
Location & workstyle:
- 100% onsite — Boulder, CO
- Employment type: Full-time
- Salary range: $90,000 – $105,000 (listed per Colorado pay-transparency requirements)
What You’ll Do
- Write, test, and optimize automated scripts and small tools in MATLAB and Python to support orbit determination and state-estimation workflows.
- Build data-validation pipelines to analyze incoming satellite telemetry and GPS signals; identify tracking errors and data gaps.
- Produce daily flight-dynamics products and process close-approach / collision alerts.
- Maintain and run simulations for maneuver detection, error propagation, and orbital perturbation math.
- Train under senior mentorship to join the shared standby rotation and perform real-time operations troubleshooting (any active hours are balanced against your standard work week).
- Participate in development retrospectives and propose workflow improvements.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field (degrees from strong space research programs are a plus).
- Strong academic grounding in orbital mechanics and satellite navigation combined with a genuine affinity for software engineering.
- Hands-on programming experience in Python (NumPy/SciPy) or MATLAB; demonstrated ability to build simulations, analysis scripts, or visualizers.
- Familiarity with Git, Linux command-line environments, and basic statistical/probability concepts.
- Self-motivated, accountable, and an open communicator who learns quickly from senior engineers.
What Is Offered
- Competitive entry-level base salary: $90,000 – $105,000 per year.
- Direct access to senior mentors and rapid technical development across a full-stack aerospace domain.
- Balanced operational standby cycle designed to preserve a standard 40-hour work week.
- 3 weeks PTO + 10 paid federal holidays.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 401(k) with 3% matching.
Location & Compliance Notes
- Worksite: Boulder, Colorado (on-site).
- Salary range above is provided in compliance with Colorado pay-transparency rules.
- Employment is subject to background checks where permitted by law.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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