Flight Dynamics Engineer

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

The Flight Dynamicist position ultimately encompasses all the tasks associated with the station-keeping of Viasat satellites such that their operational lifetimes are maximised. Once fully trained on these satellites, the successful candidate will contribute to the manoeuvre planning and station-keeping of Viasat's state of the art plasma-based fleet.

The day-to-day

• Learn Inmarsat Flight Dynamics processes by way of an effective apprenticeship
• Prime focus to become proficient at station-keeping Viasat-1, Viasat-2, Viasat-3 and Inmarsat-5 satellites
• Assist with Flight Dynamics operations support to customers internal and external to FD
• Developing and integrating mission specific support software as required
• Eventually learn to plan station-keeping manoeuvres for future satellite generations
• Automating interactions with modem software to support continuous deployment to stationkeeping

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Mathematics or Engineering to provide a sound basis for the analytical tasks typically performed by a Flight Dynamicist

• 2+ years of experience working in an engineering-related field.

• Experience of software programming languages such as: Fortran/C/C++/Java/Tk-tcl /Python as well as the UNIX and Linux operating system to allow software development for analytical work and maintenance of existing software packages under the direction of the FD manager

• Written and verbal proficiency in the English language

• US citizenship is required

What will help you on the job

• General knowledge of orbit dynamics and related topics such as orbit determination, orbit propagation, celestial event prediction and station-keeping theory
• Some understanding of attitude control theory would be helpful
• Some familiarity with Weighted least-squares algorithm and/or Kalman Filter applications
• Clarity in written and verbal communications for providing Satellite Controllers and Analysts with unambiguous direction regarding any special manoeuvre instructions
• General software/functional familiarity with Matlab, Excel or similar related analytical tools
• Acceptance of routine operations work taking precedence over other work given that manoeuvres need to be executed on time

Salary range

$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.