LEO Flight Dynamics Analyst

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years.  Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.
 
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite.  For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com

Responsibilities

• Performs routine orbit prediction and monitoring;
• Performs basic conjunction assessment and risk reporting;
• Assists with maneuver planning and post-maneuver validation;
• Supports procedure development and basic documentation;
• Learns and uses existing FDS tools and scripts without heavy modification;
• Participates in the Validation and Verification of FDS systems;
• Supports orbit management CONOPS for early Lightspeed mission phases and on-station orbit management;
• Support on-station satellite maneuver strategy to meet station-keeping requirements; maintaining LEO orbit planes and individual satellite tracking strategies, while minimizing propellant usage;
• Supports optimization of FDS systems; monitoring and maintaining orbit determination and maneuver reconstruction processes;
• Monitor satellite FD product uploads for execution and monitoring; following orbit maintenance procedures for use by the SOC;
• Participate in automation development of FDS scripts for maneuvers, momentum dumping and propellant guaging;
• Participate in LEOP/IOT/EOR campaigns; planning EOR strategies, performing orbit determination and generating tracking predicts for internal and external Lightspeed segments as necessary;
• 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 3-6 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

• Works under close guidance from Senior Analysts;
• Limited decision-making authority, primarily following approved procedures

• Successful candidate must possess (or be eligible to obtain) a CGP security clearance.
• Working environment is nominally at Telesat headquarters in Ottawa or at the Gatineau office (normal business hours).
• Some off-hours work is for anomaly response and rehearsals/testing.  
• The candidate can expect to support on-call as well.
• There will be occasional international travel as required.