Engineer, Flight Dynamics

About the role

The Engineer, Flight Dynamics is responsible for orbital control, co-location, orbital events prediction, momentum management and propellant lifetime estimation of SES GEO and MEO satellites. The role involves developing orbital and satellite control software and supporting transfer-orbit mission operations.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure safe and efficient co-location and station-keeping of SES GEO and MEO satellites while minimizing propellant usage.
• Perform orbit determination, maneuver planning, momentum management, and maneuver performance analysis.
• Design, develop and test software for orbital and satellite control, preferably using Python.
• Manage unexpected orbit perturbations, provide on-call support and execute corrective maneuvers.
• Estimate and maximise satellite propellant lifetime, including tank management.
• Provide orbit and event predictions to internal teams, external organisations and customers.
• Conduct conjunction analysis, coordinate with external agencies (e.g., US Air Force) and plan collision-avoidance maneuvers.
• Review mission designs for upcoming launches, shadow implementation and lead maneuver planning during in-orbit test phases.
• Design and implement satellite re-location manoeuvres to meet business needs while respecting constraints.
• Collaborate with Satellite Engineering to investigate attitude-control and propulsion anomalies.

Required profile

• Ability to work independently and solve mathematical and physics problems.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in modelling and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and time-management skills.
• Capacity to handle high-stress situations and react to contingencies.
• Willingness to learn from mistakes and be self-critical.

Required skills

• Python programming
• Orbit determination and maneuver planning
• Momentum management and attitude control concepts
• Conjunction analysis
• Propellant lifetime estimation