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Title: Flight Dynamics Officer

Clearance: National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) with ability to obtain a Security Clearance

Citizenship Requirement: US

Req #: 3960

Salary: $76K

Summary: Craig Technologies has an opening for a Flight Dynamics Officer position at Johnson Space Center, TX.

Detailed Description:

Since the days of Project Mercury, the Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), pronounced “Fido”, has been one of the most enduring and critical roles in NASA's human spaceflight operations. From the Moon landings to commercial crew launches, FDOs have helped shape the trajectory, literally and figuratively, of crewed and uncrewed spacecraft. This position supports the Flight Dynamics Division within NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate at Johnson Space Center under the Integrated Mission Operations Contract III (IMOC III). As a contract FDO, you will train toward certification through individual study, simulations, and proficiency evaluations, ultimately supporting real-time mission operations from console. You’ll be responsible for trajectory planning, launch and reentry monitoring, and in-orbit maneuver analysis, contributing directly to the success of Artemis, HLS, and Commercial Crew missions. FDOs train to become certified flight controllers by completing individual study, simulations, and proficiency evaluations. Once certified, FDOs support real-time mission operations, developing and validating trajectory plans, monitoring vehicle performance during launch, reentry, and in-orbit operations, calculating maneuver plans, analyzing contingency scenarios, and supporting the overall trajectory and energy management of the spacecraft. The role requires daily collaboration with NASA teams and other contractors, cross-disciplinary communication between analysts, developers, and flight controllers, creation and review of mission documentation, and participation in simulations and mission events. Shift work is required during active mission periods and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed. The position also involves software tool development, data validation, and analysis, directly supporting real-time operations. As a member of the FDO Team, you will contribute to the development and verification of mission-critical applications, tools used to assess abort scenarios, conjunction risks, and launch opportunities for Artemis missions. As part of the Software Development Life Cycle, you will participate in code reviews, unit testing, and software documentation (SRS, ATPR), ensuring compliance with NASA and Flight Dynamics Division standards for safety-critical tools. FDOs work in a dynamic, high-pressure environment where teamwork, quick decision-making, and adaptability to evolving mission requirements and emerging technologies, including AI-driven automation and trajectory analysis integration, are essential. Due to the sensitive and mission-critical nature of the work, employees must comply with NASA’s information security policies and properly handle privileged data. Occasional travel may be required to support mission or technical forums. Travel is expected to be limited (up to 25%). This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about combining aerospace engineering and real-time mission operations. It provides the opportunity to contribute to Artemis II and beyond, supporting NASA’s return to the Moon and future deep space missions. Successful candidates will develop hands-on expertise in trajectory design, mission simulation, and safety-critical software, growing toward Flight Dynamics Officer FDO certification and long-term leadership within NASA’s flight operations community. This position is based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. On-site presence is required to support real-time mission operations, flight controller training, and team collaboration.

Position Requirements:

Required Work and Skills Experience:

Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering, Math, or Physics (ABET-accredited). This position is targeted for applicants with 0–4 years of related experience, including internships, co-ops, research projects, or other applied engineering work. While recent graduates are welcome, ideal candidates will have demonstrated technical depth through substantial academic or project-based work, preferably beyond introductory coursework. A strong academic background in orbital mechanics, spaceflight dynamics, or celestial mechanics is essential. The ideal candidate is an Aerospace Engineer with strong programming skills. Proficiency in Python is mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate experience using Python for engineering analysis or software development, including applications such as GUI design, automation, or data visualization. Due to NASA requirements for the position, candidates must be U.S. Citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance through a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 background investigation. Candidates must also pass a NASA flight controller physical, which may include specialized medical evaluations. If pre-existing or newly identified medical conditions are present, candidates may be required to provide documentation of a treatment plan, as directed by NASA medical personnel.

Preferred Qualifications: Hands-on experience with other programming languages such as Java, or C++, and proficiency with engineering and mission analysis tools including MATLAB, FreeFlyer, and Linux. Experience with GitLab, used for version control, documentation management, and tracking analyses and tool updates, is strongly preferred. Exposure to NASA mission architectures such as Artemis, the Human Landing System, or the Boeing Starliner program is highly desirable. Familiarity with real-time trajectory modeling environments and operational support systems is highly desirable, particularly for applications involving dynamic mission planning and execution. Experience in writing or testing trajectory software tools, displays, or scripts; performing engineering analysis; or interpreting spacecraft performance data will be beneficial, particularly in support of mission operations or flight dynamics applications. Experience or interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is highly valued, particularly in areas such as prompt engineering, natural language processing, or the integration of AI into trajectory analysis, mission planning, or software development workflows. As the Flight Dynamics Division continues to explore how AI can enhance human spaceflight operations, candidates who bring curiosity and foundational skills in this domain will help shape the future of our tools and processes. Experience with software project management and development lifecycle processes is also desired, including performing code and requirement reviews, writing test plans, developing procedures, and testing software tools or scripts. Soft Skills: Successful candidates should demonstrate strong communication, including clear and concise verbal and written skills. They must exhibit exceptional problem-solving abilities and critical thinking, especially under pressure. This includes putting situations in perspective, weighing options, assessing relevant information, anticipating consequences (both positive and negative), thinking clearly and calmly, compartmentalizing tasks, and setting stress aside when necessary. Effective time management, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams are essential. Candidates should also possess negotiation and conflict resolution skills to help navigate and resolve differing viewpoints productively. Self-motivation, accountability, and a commitment to fostering respectful and inclusive work environments are critical for success.

List any required Security Clearances and/or Certifications if applicable

+ Must Pass a NASA Background Check

+ Must be able to obtain a Security Clearance

+ Must be a US Citizen

Craig Technologies is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other non-job-related protected status. All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.