Senior LEO Flight Dynamics Specialist

Responsibilities

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

Oversee the development of Space Situational Awareness System (SSAS) processes and concepts;

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;

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

Defines and oversee the concept of operations for orbit raising, station-keeping, collision avoidance, and end-of-life disposal;

Sets the operational standards and workflows for the FD team, ensuring alignment with program goals;

Coordinates closely with the SOC Systems team, mission management, and adjacent engineering groups;

Provides mentorship, performance oversight, and career development for all FD team members;

Make final go/no-go decisions on critical operations and contingency responses;

Translates executive-level mission objectives into actionable plans for Senior Analysts, Analysts, and the Specialist.

Education and Experience

Masters 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 14+ years of directly related work experience in space orbital dynamics;

Experience in performing satellite station-keeping planning;

Experience in software development using a variety of platforms and programming tools using modern scripting languages, however, operational procedure scripting languages;

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 leadership, highly technical, presentation experienced, interpersonal, written and communication skills;

Independent and self-motivated, with the ability to guide the FD team effectively; working closely with the entire SatOps team;

Work requires considerable attention to detail;

Knowledge of containerized software platforms is an asset.

Decision Making and Supervision

Highest decision authority within the FD team for operational matters;

Balances operational safety, mission objectives, and long-term sustainability;

Directs resource allocation between operational tasks vs. software/system improvements;

Oversee 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.