Senior Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer based in Canada.** Take on a senior technical role advancing complex space missions through sophisticated astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and mission design. You will lead high-level engineering analyses, optimize spacecraft trajectories, and develop simulation models that support critical mission decisions. Using advanced tools such as STK, Python, and MATLAB, you will transform complex orbital dynamics challenges into practical, data-driven engineering solutions. You will conduct multidisciplinary trade studies, evaluate mission architectures, and provide technical recommendations to engineering stakeholders. This opportunity combines deep theoretical expertise with hands-on computational engineering in a technically demanding aerospace environment. The role is remote-oriented but requires at least 50% on-site work in Montreal, Quebec, with candidates willing to relocate permanently strongly preferred. ### Accountabilities - Orbit dynamics and astrodynamics: Perform advanced orbital mechanics and astrodynamics analyses to support spacecraft missions, applying perturbation theory and computational techniques to solve complex engineering problems. - Trajectory design and optimization: Develop, evaluate, and optimize spacecraft trajectories using analytical methods, numerical simulations, gradient-based optimization, and evolutionary optimization techniques. - Orbit determination and estimation: Conduct orbit determination and estimation analyses to assess spacecraft trajectories, characterize orbital behavior, and support mission planning and operational decisions. - Mission design and architecture: Perform mission design studies across a range of scenarios, evaluating mission architectures, operational constraints, and technical alternatives. - STK modeling and simulation: Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) extensively to build and maintain mission analysis models, simulations, and analytical environments, leveraging Astrogator, Optimizer, Coverage, and Communications modules. - STK automation and scripting: Develop automation workflows and scripting solutions using STK APIs and STK Connect to improve analytical efficiency, repeatability, and model integration. - Engineering software development: Build advanced analysis tools, computational models, and simulation applications using Python and MATLAB to address challenging astrodynamics and mission analysis requirements. - Software quality and engineering practices: Apply version control, testing, technical documentation, and continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices to engineering analysis tools and software. - Technical leadership: Independently lead complex engineering investigations, identify critical technical challenges, and develop rigorous, evidence-based solutions. - Multidisciplinary trade studies: Plan and conduct technical trade studies that compare mission architectures, evaluate engineering alternatives, and quantify relevant performance considerations. - Technical communication: Present analytical results, technical findings, and recommendations clearly to engineering stakeholders to support mission design decisions and program development. - Mission development support: Contribute specialist expertise to spacecraft mission planning, architecture definition, and broader technical decision-making throughout the mission lifecycle. ### Requirements - Education: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline. A bachelor's degree combined with substantial additional relevant experience, typically 9 or more years, may also be considered. - Relevant professional experience: At least 7 years of post-graduation professional experience directly related to orbit dynamics, astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, or space mission design and analysis. - Advanced STK expertise: Expert-level proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK), including hands-on experience with Astrogator, Optimizer, Coverage, and Communications. - STK automation: Demonstrated experience automating mission analysis workflows through STK APIs, STK Connect, and scripting techniques. - Python and MATLAB proficiency: Advanced programming skills in Python and MATLAB, including experience developing engineering analysis tools, computational models, and simulations. - Orbital mechanics knowledge: In-depth theoretical and practical understanding of advanced orbital mechanics, perturbation theory, orbit determination, estimation methods, and trajectory optimization. - Optimization methods: Experience applying gradient-based and evolutionary optimization techniques to complex trajectory and mission analysis problems. - Independent technical leadership: Proven ability to lead technical analyses, manage complex engineering investigations, and deliver defensible recommendations with limited supervision. - Analytical and problem-solving skills: Exceptional quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on technical rigor and engineering accuracy. - Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication in English, with the ability to explain sophisticated technical concepts to engineering teams and stakeholders. - Canadian work eligibility: Must be legally eligible to work in Canada and capable of obtaining the security clearance required for the position. - On-site availability: Must be willing to work at least 50% on-site in Montreal, Quebec. Candidates willing to relocate permanently to Montreal are strongly preferred. - Preferred advanced education: A Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline, particularly with a specialization in astrodynamics or orbital mechanics. - Preferred simulation tools: Experience with additional mission analysis environments such as GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit, or SPICE. - Additional programming skills: Experience with C or C++ is an asset. - Preferred spacecraft expertise: Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) analysis or design, multi-body dynamics, large satellite constellations, or satellite flight dynamics operations. - Preferred software engineering practices: Familiarity with Git, automated testing, technical documentation, and CI/CD workflows. - Research and technical contributions: Publications or conference presentations in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or related technical fields are advantageous. ### Benefits - Employment type: Full-time position. - Work arrangement: Remote-oriented work, with at least 50% on-site presence required in Montreal, Quebec. - Location flexibility: Candidates must be based in Canada and eligible to work in the country; permanent relocation to Montreal is strongly preferred. - Compensation: To be determined based on experience, technical skills, and qualifications. - Technical scope: Opportunity to lead advanced orbital dynamics analyses, trajectory optimization studies, and spacecraft mission design activities. - Engineering impact: Direct contribution to complex space mission planning, architecture decisions, and technical program development. - Advanced technical environment: Hands-on work with sophisticated simulation and modeling tools, including STK, Python, and MATLAB. - Technical leadership opportunities: Scope to independently lead engineering investigations, guide trade studies, and present recommendations to technical stakeholders. - Professional specialization: Opportunities to apply and deepen expertise in orbital mechanics, mission analysis, optimization methods, and spacecraft dynamics.