Senior Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer for Fastwater Staffing and Recruiting

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.