LEO Flight Dynamics Specialist

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 50 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

As a member of the LEO SOC Development team, the LEO Flight Dynamics Specialist will support the design, selection, test and use of the Flight Dynamics System (FDS). They will provide technical leadership for the LEO Flight Dynamics Systems to develop the orbit management concept of operations (CONOPS) that supports all phases of the Lightspeed mission and defines & procures a Space Situational Awareness system/service.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Flight Dynamics System (FDS) development; tailoring processes to manage the Lightspeed constellation;
• Guide development of a Space Situational Awareness System (SSAS) and integration to an external SSA service;
• Participate in the Validation and Verification of FDS systems;
• Lead orbit management CONOPS for all phases of the Lightspeed mission; including Launch and Early Operations (LEOP), Electric Orbit Raising (EOR), nominal on-station operations, SSA strategy and end-of-life deorbit;
• Guide on-station satellite maneuver strategy to meet station-keeping requirements; maintaining LEO orbit planes and individual satellite tracking strategies, while minimizing fuel usage;
• Optimize FDS system to monitor and maintain orbit determination and maneuver reconstruction processes;
• Manage fuel usage tracking and maneuver performance analysis;
• Oversee development of satellite uploads for execution and monitoring, maintain orbit maintenance procedures for use by the SOC;
• Lead automation development; including FDS scripts for maneuvers, momentum dumping and fuel guaging;
• Participate in LEOP/EOR campaigns; planning EOR strategies, performing orbit determination and generating tracking predicts for internal and external Lightspeed segments as necessary;
• Manage ongoing development of the procured Flight Dynamics System maneuver planning software;
• Prepare and present reports and presentations for Telesat Lightspeed technical management.
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Masters or Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering or Computer Science or the equivalent;
• A background in statistics, calculus, classical mechanics, celestial mechanics and computer programming is required;
• Minimum 10-years of relevant work experience;
• Experience in performing satellite station-keeping planning would be an asset;
• Experience in developing software and with a variety of platforms and programming tools using modern scripting languages, however, operational procedure scripting languages will also be used so the ability to learn new tools is critical;
• Experience with Linux systems administration Python programming and configuration management would be an asset;
• Strong technical, presentation, interpersonal, written and communication skills;
• Independent and self-motivated, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment;
• Work requires considerable attention to detail;
• Knowledge of containerized software platforms is an asset.
  
  

Decision Making and Supervision:

• As part of a collaborative team, develop on-orbit strategies and perform critical reviews of other analysts’ plans;
• Perform technical trade studies taking into account cost, schedule and risk elements
• May lead the development team in the management of Flight Dynamics related activities, including creating of an FDS development system;
• Manage development projects including collaboration with Satellite Engineers and Space Segment to implement timely and effective systems for new programs or in response to satellite anomalies;
• Provide technical guidance to senior and junior analysts.
  
  

Successful candidate must possess (or be eligible to obtain) a CGP security clearance. Working environment is at our headquarters down town Ottawa and/or Gatineau office (normal business hours), with option to work from home one day per week. Some off-hours work is for emergency response and testing; the candidate can expect to support on-call as well. There will be occasional international travel as necessary.