Flight Dynamics Internship

About the Role

CesiumAstro is seeking a Flight Dynamics Intern for Summer 2027. This is a project-based internship focused on supporting the development and operation of CesiumAstro missions through flight dynamics analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Support flight dynamics analysis spanning space trajectories, spacecraft mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning.
• Work on a flight dynamics assignment supporting an active program or future mission concept.
• Collaborate with engineers on trajectory design and optimization, maneuver targeting, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, and the development and validation of flight dynamics tools.
• Present work to peers, mentors, and executive leadership.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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.
• 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.