Senior LEO Flight Dynamics Analyst

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 55 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 and Government 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.

 
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit

The Senior LEO Flight Dynamics Analyst leads mission planning and execution for orbit raising, station-keeping, and disposal. The Senior FD Analyst performs complex operational analyses (orbit determination, maneuver design, collision avoidance), as well as mentoring junior analysts and refine operational workflows for greater efficiency;

Responsibilities

• Leads operational planning and execution of key orbital mission phases;
• Performs advanced conjunction assessment and recommend collision avoidance actions;
• Refines and improves workflows, including scripting automation for operational tasks;
• Liaises with other mission operations groups for integrated decision-making;
• Provides training and operational guidance to junior team members;
• Contributes in the development of a Space Situational Awareness System (SSAS) and integration to an external SSA service;
• Supports Installation, Validation and Verification of FDS systems;
• Provides inputs for 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;
• Defines on-station satellite maneuver strategy to meet station-keeping requirements; maintaining LEO orbit planes and individual satellite tracking strategies, while minimizing propellant usage;
• Optimizes FDS system to monitor and maintain orbit determination and maneuver reconstruction processes;
• Performs propellant usage and maneuver performance analysis;
• Develops satellite uploads for execution and monitoring, maintain orbit maintenance procedures for use by the SOC;
• Supports development of automation of scripts for the FDS operations of the spacecraft;
• Participates in LEOP/EOR campaigns; planning EOR strategies, performing orbit determination and generating tracking predicts for internal and external Lightspeed segments as necessary;
• Participates in the ongoing development of the procured Flight Dynamics System maneuver planning software;
• Prepares and presents 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 6-9-years of relevant work/industry 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;
• Experience with Machine Learning and Data Analytics is an asset;
• 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

• Makes mission operations decisions (e.g., maneuver recommendations, collision avoidance actions) under Flight Director oversight;
• Provides input to the Specialist on required software/tool improvements;
• Provide technical guidance to junior analysts.