Senior Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer | Remote Opportunity | Fastwater Staffing

📍 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
📄 Employment Type: Contract to Perm
🏢 Work Arrangement: Remote set-up for US and Canadian citizen and relocation assitance and bonus for European and UK candidates
🚀 Start Date: TBD
💰 Compensation: TBD -- based on skills and experience

Important Screening Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Must be capable of obtaining the required security clearance.
• Candidates willing to permanently relocate to Montreal are strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
• French language proficiency is considered an asset.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer to lead advanced astrodynamics, orbit dynamics, trajectory optimization, and space mission design and analysis activities.

This senior-level role will focus on solving complex orbital mechanics and mission analysis problems through advanced modeling, simulation, optimization, and technical analysis. The ideal candidate will work independently on challenging astrodynamics problems while leading technical analyses and trade studies supporting sophisticated space missions.

Key Responsibilities

Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis

• Perform advanced orbit dynamics and astrodynamics analysis for space missions.
• Conduct spacecraft trajectory design and optimization.
• Apply advanced orbital mechanics and perturbation theory to mission analysis.
• Perform orbit determination and estimation analysis.
• Evaluate and optimize mission trajectories using analytical and computational methods.
• Conduct mission design and architecture analyses across a range of mission scenarios.

STK Modeling & Simulation

• Utilize Systems Tool Kit (STK) extensively for mission analysis and simulation.
• Apply advanced STK modules, including:
• • Astrogator
  • Optimizer
  • Coverage
  • Communications
• Develop STK automation and scripting solutions using APIs and STK Connect.
• Build and maintain mission analysis models and simulations to support technical decision-making.

Engineering Tools & Software

• Develop advanced engineering analysis tools, models, and simulations using Python and MATLAB.
• Apply computational methods to solve complex astrodynamics and mission analysis problems.
• Support software development practices, including version control, testing, documentation, and CI/CD.

Technical Leadership & Trade Studies

• Lead complex technical analyses and engineering investigations.
• Conduct multidisciplinary trade studies evaluating mission architectures and technical alternatives.
• Independently identify, analyze, and solve challenging astrodynamics problems.
• Present technical findings, recommendations, and analysis results to engineering stakeholders.
• Contribute technical expertise to mission design decisions and program development.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• A Bachelor's degree with significant additional relevant experience, typically 9+ years, will also be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of professional post-graduation experience directly related to:
• • Orbit dynamics
  • Astrodynamics
  • Trajectory optimization
  • Space mission design and analysis
• Expert-level proficiency with STK, including Astrogator, Optimizer, Coverage, and Communications.
• Demonstrated experience with STK automation and scripting, including API and STK Connect.
• Advanced programming proficiency in Python and MATLAB, with experience developing engineering analysis tools, models, or simulations.
• In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of:
• • Advanced orbital mechanics
  • Perturbation theory
  • Orbit determination and estimation
  • Trajectory optimization
  • Gradient-based optimization methods
  • Evolutionary optimization methods
• Proven ability to independently lead technical analyses and complex trade studies.
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field with a focus on astrodynamics or orbital mechanics.
• Experience with additional mission analysis and simulation environments such as:
• • GMAT
  • FreeFlyer
  • Orekit
  • SPICE
• Experience with C/C++ programming.
• Experience with spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) analysis or design.
• Experience with multi-body dynamics.
• Experience supporting large satellite constellations.
• Experience with satellite operations, particularly flight dynamics activities.
• Experience with software development best practices, including Git, software testing, technical documentation, and CI/CD.
• Publications or conference presentations in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or related fields.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for a senior astrodynamics and mission analysis expert who can independently tackle complex orbital mechanics problems and provide technical leadership on advanced space missions.

The ideal candidate combines deep theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience using STK, Python, and MATLAB, along with a proven ability to turn sophisticated mission analysis problems into practical engineering solutions. Experience with advanced trajectory optimization, orbit determination, GNC, constellation dynamics, or flight dynamics operations will be highly valuable.