Senior Data Scientist – Navigation & Flight Dynamics

Are you ready to advance the state of humankind in the pursuit of human knowledge? Deimos-One is leading the future commercial space age with the development of our new, cutting-edge technology – our mission is to open the door to an infinite and unimaginable future where anything is possible.

SENIOR DATA SCIENTIST– NAVIGATION & FLIGHT DYNAMICS

We are seeking an ace Data Scientist within the Deimos-One Navigation & Flight Dynamics (NFD) Mission Area. Your primary objective will be to advance the development and optimization of mathematical models, sensor fusion algorithms, and machine learning-based navigation systems to support high-altitude aerodynamics, autonomous flight guidance, and precision landing. This position assumes a key role in advancing Deimos-One artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy research, pushing the boundaries of navigation, sensor fusion, and computational modeling to enable autonomous space operations on the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere in the Solar System. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in statistical modeling, mathematical optimization, and AI for flight systems.

WHAT YOU WILL DO 

• Develop probabilistic and physics-based models for terrain-relative navigation, trajectory optimization, and precision landing guidance.
• Implement sensor fusion techniques, including Kalman filtering, Bayesian inference, and machine learning algorithms, to integrate LiDAR, SAR, GPS, and IMU data for enhanced navigation.
• Optimize adaptive flight control algorithms using Markov decision processes, reinforcement learning, and Monte Carlo simulations for real-time descent guidance and hazard avoidance.
• Conduct aerodynamic and thermal data analysis derived from computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and high-altitude balloon test flights, refining trajectory modeling and load predictions.
• Design and validate uncertainty quantification models for risk assessment in flight dynamics and environmental perturbations.
• Collaborate with avionics and software engineers to develop fault-tolerant data pipelines for real-time telemetry, anomaly detection, and predictive diagnostics using high-performance computing resources.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of experience in applied mathematics, data science, aerospace engineering, or related fields focused on AI-driven autonomy, real-time sensor fusion, and predictive modeling.
• Extensive experience in numerical optimization, reinforcement learning, and probabilistic inference for autonomous flight.
• Proficiency in programming (Python, MATLAB, C++, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Expertise in AI-driven aerospace data modeling, including trajectory simulation, orbital mechanics, reentry dynamics, and turbulence modeling for autonomous flight systems.
• Familiarity with real-time sensor fusion, including GPS, LiDAR, SAR, IMU, and barometric altimeters.
• Experience designing AI-based decision-making frameworks for autonomous navigation, terrain-relative guidance, and hazard detection.
• Deep understanding of probabilistic modeling, including Bayesian inference, Monte Carlo methods, Markov decision processes, and stochastic processes, for uncertainty quantification in aerospace environments.
• Experience deploying AI models for real-time trajectory correction, adaptive flight control, and anomaly detection using high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
• Must understand how to apply mathematics and/or ML technology to solve complex aerospace challenges in an applied setting.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN 

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in AI-driven research and development
• Autonomy to have a flexible work schedule, with tools and resources to help support your career ambitions
• Support from a world class team that embraces innovation and challenges the status quo
• Establishment and/or growth of a reputation as a leader in your field

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here

Deimos-One is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Deimos-One is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of Deimos-One’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (702) 505-9782

Required Education:
Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, or related STEM discipline

Desired Education:
PhD in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or electrical engineering

Salary Range: $130,000 – $210,000

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday – Friday

Desired Work Location:
United States

Deimos-One offers flexible work options, including onsite, hybrid, and remote roles, depending on project needs.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Willingness to travel: 10% (Preferred)

**This position is CONTINGENT upon funding, an open position, customer approval, completion of a favorable background investigation, and the ability to obtain and maintain required clearance.

Join us at Deimos-One and push the boundaries of AI-driven aerospace autonomy. If you are passionate about real-time AI, autonomous flight, and high-altitude space systems, we invite you to be part of our team. Apply today to help shape the future of intelligent space exploration.