Summer 2027 - Flight Dynamics Internship

The CesiumAstro team is looking for a Flight Dynamics Intern to join us in Summer 2027.

As a Flight Dynamics Intern, you will support the development and operation of CesiumAstro missions through flight dynamics analysis spanning space trajectories, spacecraft mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning. This will be a project-based internship where you will have the opportunity to work on a flight dynamics assignment supporting an active program or future mission concept. You will work closely with CesiumAstro engineers on trajectory design and optimization, maneuver targeting, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, and the development and validation of flight dynamics tools.

During the program, interns will present their work to peers, mentors, and CesiumAstro executive leadership. As such, strong communication skills are essential.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in a Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or PhD program in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Completed coursework in orbital mechanics and additional coursework in flight dynamics, GNC, numerical methods, or related areas.
• Hands-on experience with Python for engineering simulation, data analysis, and scripting.
• Proven motivation to build, analyze, and solve challenging technical problems through personal, work, or school projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Coursework or project experience in trajectory optimization, spacecraft mission design, launch vehicle design, estimation, or probability and statistics.
• Familiarity with mission and trajectory analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, POST, OTIS, or similar.
• Experience with numerical optimization, targeting methods, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, or Monte Carlo simulation.
• Familiarity with software development practices including Git, software testing, documentation, and Linux.
• Experience developing or validating physics-based simulations for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other aerospace systems.