LEO Flight Dynamics Specialist

Responsibilities

Develops and maintain automation scripts and CI/CD pipelines for operational workflows;

Manages version control, configuration management, and deployment of software changes;

Troubleshoots, optimizes, and monitors FDS performance and stability;

Documents all developed systems and workflows in Confluence and technical documentation;

Collaborates with the SOC Systems team and external vendors to integrate new operational capabilities;

Provides technical mentorship to the FD team on software development best practices;

Leads Flight Dynamics System (FDS) development; tailoring processes to manage the Lightspeed constellation;

Guide development of a Space Situational Awareness System (SSAS) and integration to an external SSA service;

Lead orbit management CONOPS for all phases of the Lightspeed mission; including Launch and Early Operations (LEOP), Electric Orbit Raising (EOR), nominal on-station operations, SSA strategy and end-of-life deorbit;

Guides on-station satellite maneuver strategy to meet station-keeping requirements; maintaining LEO orbit planes and individual satellite tracking strategies, while minimizing fuel usage;

Optimizes FDS system to monitor and maintain orbit determination and maneuver reconstruction processes;

Manages propellant usage tracking and maneuver performance analysis;

Leads automation development; including FDS scripts for maneuvers, momentum dumping and propellant guaging;

Supports LEOP/IOT/EOR campaigns; planning EOR strategies, performing orbit determination and generating tracking predicts for internal and external Lightspeed segments as necessary;

Manages ongoing development of the Flight Dynamics System maneuver planning software;

Prepares and presents reports and presentations for Telesat Lightspeed technical management.

Education and Experience

Masters or Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering or Computer Science or the equivalent;

A background in statistics, calculus, classical mechanics, celestial mechanics and computer programming is required;

Minimum 9-14 -years of relevant work experience directly or commensurate to space orbital dynamics;

Experience in performing satellite station-keeping planning;

Experience in developing software and with a variety of platforms and programming tools using modern scripting languages, however, operational procedure scripting languages will also be used so the ability to learn new tools is critical;

Experience with Linux systems administration Python programming and configuration management is an asset;

Experience with Machine Learning and Data Analytics is a valued asset;

Strong technical, presentation, interpersonal, written and communication skills;

Independent and self-motivated, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment;

Work requires considerable attention to detail;

Knowledge of containerized software platforms is an asset.

Decision Making and Supervision

Independent technical decision-making on software architecture, integration, and automation;

Works under general direction of the Senior FD Specialist, but sets technical priorities for software infrastructure and collaboration with the SOC Systems team;

Influences operational decisions indirectly through robust and reliable software solutions;

Leads the development team in the management of Flight Dynamics related activities, including use of the FDS development system for the purpose of testing and rehearsals;

Manage development projects including collaboration with Satellite Engineers and Space Segment to implement timely and effective systems for new programs or in response to satellite anomalies;

Provide technical guidance to senior and junior analysts.