LEO Flight Dynamics Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Lead 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;
• Participate in the Validation and Verification of FDS systems;
• 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;
• Guide on-station satellite maneuver strategy to meet station-keeping requirements; maintaining LEO orbit planes and individual satellite tracking strategies, while minimizing fuel usage;
• Optimize FDS system to monitor and maintain orbit determination and maneuver reconstruction processes;
• Manage fuel usage tracking and maneuver performance analysis;
• Oversee development of satellite uploads for execution and monitoring, maintain orbit maintenance procedures for use by the SOC;
• Lead automation development; including FDS scripts for maneuvers, momentum dumping and fuel guaging;
• Participate in LEOP/EOR campaigns; planning EOR strategies, performing orbit determination and generating tracking predicts for internal and external Lightspeed segments as necessary;
• Manage ongoing development of the procured Flight Dynamics System maneuver planning software;
• Prepare and present 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 10-years of relevant work experience;
• Experience in performing satellite station-keeping planning would be an asset;
• 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 would be an 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:

• As part of a collaborative team, develop on-orbit strategies and perform critical reviews of other analysts’ plans;
• Perform technical trade studies taking into account cost, schedule and risk elements 
• May lead the development team in the management of Flight Dynamics related activities, including creating of an FDS development system; 
• 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.