About the role
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of advanced orbit dynamics and mission analysis tasks for various space missions.
- Architect, design, and optimize complex satellite trajectories, maneuvers (low-thrust, impulsive), and constellation configurations using STK (including modules like Astrogator, Optimizer, Analysis Workbench) and custom tools.
- Develop, implement, and validate high-fidelity simulation models and analysis software using Python, MATLAB, and/or C# to support mission design, performance assessment, and trade studies.
- Perform and oversee specialized analyses: advanced coverage, communications link budgets, conjunction assessment and collision avoidance strategies, re-entry predictions, orbit determination, and attitude dynamics interactions.
- Define mission requirements related to trajectory and orbital performance; contribute to system architecture development and trade-offs.
- Develop novel analysis techniques and automate complex simulation workflows.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
- Prepare and present detailed technical reports, analysis results, and recommendations to internal teams, management, and external customers/stakeholders.
- Interface with other subsystems (GNC, Systems, Software, Operations) to ensure mission success.
Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field; Or a Bachelor's degree with significant additional relevant experience (typically 9+ years).
- Minimum of seven (7) years of professional, post-graduation experience directly related to orbit dynamics, astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, and space mission design and analysis.
- Expert-level proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK) / Satellite Tool Kit (STK), including advanced modules (e.g., Astrogator, Optimizer, Coverage, Comm) and experience with STK automation/scripting (via API, Connect).
- Advanced programming proficiency and demonstrated experience developing analysis tools, models, or simulations in Python and MATLAB.
- In-depth theoretical and practical understanding of advanced orbital mechanics, perturbation theory, estimation techniques (orbit determination), and trajectory optimization methods (gradient-based, evolutionary).
- Proven ability to lead technical analyses, conduct complex trade studies, and solve challenging astrodynamics problems independently.
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. French language is considered favorably.
Complementary skills/knowledge:
- PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field with a focus on astrodynamics or orbital mechanics.
- Experience with other simulation environments (GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit) or specialized tools (SPICE).
- Experience with C/C++ programming.
- Experience in spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) analysis or design.
- Experience with multi-body dynamics and large constellations.
- Experience with satellite operations, particularly flight dynamics aspects.
- Experience with software development best practices (version control with Git, testing, documentation, CI/CD).
- Record of publications or conference presentations in relevant fields.
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