Role description summary
As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will have the front row seat managing the SES GEO and MEO satellites. Your tasks will include orbital control, co-location, orbital events prediction, momentum management and propellant lifetime estimation of our fleet.
You will be responsible for shadowing of transfer orbit mission operations in the Flight Dynamics section and providing expertise for any flight dynamics related activity to other stakeholders.
In addition, you will participate in the development of the orbital and satellite control software.
As a plus, you will become a valued member of a team of exceptional engineers working on diverse, challenging projects with many opportunities for collaboration with other teams.
Primary responsibilities
Be responsible for a safe and efficient co-location and / or station-keeping of the SES GEO and MEO satellites, while minimizing propellant usage, satisfying satellite constraints and avoiding risk of collision between SES co-located satellites : Orbit determination Maneuver planning and computation Momentum management Maneuver performance analysis and calibration
Manage the appropriate actions in case of large unexpected orbit perturbations or maneuver execution / performance issues and provide on-call support in consequence
Perform conjunction analysis, interface with external organization (e.g. US Air Force, satellite operators) and plan corrective maneuvers in case of close approach with another satellite or debris
Determine and maximize satellite propellant lifetime of SES satellites
Provide orbit and related events predictions information to internal sections, external organizations and customers
For satellite launches, review and challenge the mission design, shadow the implementation and lead the maneuver planning during the in-orbit test phase
Design and implement satellite re-locations to meet SES business needs, while ensuring safe separation with other satellites
Collaborate with Satellite Engineering to investigate satellite anomalies related to attitude control and propulsion systems
Design, develop and test software in the orbital and satellite control fields to carry out and support all the above
Qualifications & Experience
Masters degree in physics, mathematics or engineering
In-depth knowledge in the following fields : astrodynamics, tracking systems, orbit estimation methods, orbital control of GEO and MEO satellites
Have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of satellite sub-systems
Capable to autonomously solve and model problems in mathematical and physics fields
Understanding of numerical analysis and scientific software development
Experience in Python software development required, any additional programming language is an asset
Linux / Unix environment and GIT version control is preferred
Experience in graphical user interface development or test automation is preferred. We use PyQt5 and Froglogics Squish
Previous experience with orbital and satellite control software development is considered an asset
Good negotiation and persuasion skills with internal stakeholders and good overall communication skills
Critical thinker, able to provide constructive feedback to improve processes, procedures and tools
Other key requirements / comments
Key Performance Indicators Satellites within station-keeping box Propellant life optimization Accurate propellant lifetime estimation Minimize risk of collision and interference with other satellites or debris Accurate orbital information to customers Reliable and efficient software that meets user and business requirements
Interfaces Collaborate very closely with SES Satellite Control Centers, Ground Infrastructure, Space Engineering, Software Engineering and Customer services departments who support satellite operations, as well as with Frequency Coordination for re-locations.
Provide satellite propellant lifetime analysis to internal stakeholders as well as to Insurance Underwriters Interface with US / NORAD and other satellite operators to minimize risk of collision with debris and other satellites Interface with Satellite Manufacturer during software upgrade, satellite procurement and LEOP phase
What's In It For You :
Flexible working policy
Bonus and equity plans
Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan
A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs
An employer that values all aspects of Diversity and respects every individuals story
Good To Know
SES is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to workplace diversity & inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal law.
