Senior LEO Flight Dynamics Specialist

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

• 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.

• 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.