Trajectory Analysis Engineer (Starship)

About this role

SpaceX seeks a Trajectory Analysis Engineer to analyze Starship launch vehicle trajectories, develop creative flight solutions, and ensure mission safety objectives are met. You'll work collaboratively across engineering disciplines, support flight operations, and interface with regulatory partners like the FAA.

What you'll do

• Analyze launch vehicle trajectories and performance during fault scenarios
• Develop flight plan solutions that enable mission objectives while maintaining safe vehicle operation
• Generate flight safety deliverables and present trajectory analysis to internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with operations, reliability, hardware, and regulatory teams including the FAA
• Develop and evaluate flight termination system mission rules
• Automate trajectory analysis product generation and conduct flight data review

What they're looking for

• Orbital mechanics and classical dynamics
• Modeling and simulation
• Python or C++
• Launch vehicle and spacecraft systems knowledge
• Problem-solving with minimal supervision
• Systems trade analysis
• Technical communication (written and verbal)
• Flight safety analysis

Likely interview questions

• Walk us through a complex trajectory analysis problem you've solved—what was your approach and how did you validate your results?
• Describe your experience with orbital mechanics and how you've applied it in a project or professional setting.