Senior Orbit Dynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer | Hybrid/ On-site Opportunity | Fastwater Staffing

📍Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
📄Employment Type: Full-Time
🏢Work Arrangement: Minimum 50% On-site; permanent relocation to Montreal preferred
🚀Start Date: TBD
💰Compensation:TBD -- based on skills and experience

Important Screening Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work inCanada.
• Must be capable of obtaining the requiredsecurity clearance.
• Must be willing to work at least50% on-site in Montreal.
• Candidates willing topermanently relocate to Montreal are strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills inEnglish are required.
• French language proficiency is considered an asset.

About the Role

We are seeking aSenior 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

• UtilizeSystems 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 andSTK 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 usingPython 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 inAerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• A Bachelor's degree with significant additional relevant experience, typically9+ years, will also be considered.
• Minimum7 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 withSTK automation and scripting, including API and STK Connect.
• Advanced programming proficiency inPython 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. inAerospace 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 withC/C++ programming.
• Experience with spacecraftGuidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) analysis or design.
• Experience with multi-body dynamics.
• Experience supporting large satellite constellations.
• Experience with satellite operations, particularlyflight dynamics activities.
• Experience with software development best practices, includingGit, 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 seniorastrodynamics 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 usingSTK, Python, and MATLAB, along with a proven ability to turn sophisticated mission analysis problems into practical engineering solutions. Experience withadvanced trajectory optimization, orbit determination, GNC, constellation dynamics, or flight dynamics operations will be highly valuable.