Spacecraft Operations Engineer (SOE)

Who we are and what we do    

NorthStar Earth & Space uses optical telescope data as the building blocks to create information services tailored to the needs and requirements of clients from both government and industry. Our extensive development portfolio includes orbit dynamics and machine learning algorithms for a variety of applications for space domain awareness and space traffic management. With headquarters in Montreal, Canada, European headquarters in Luxembourg and a wholly owned subsidiary in McLean, Virginia, the company is solving the ever-increasing threat of space collisions and empowering humanity to preserve our planet.  

Who you'll work with    

  

The Luxembourg software development team, Starlux, is responsible for building customer facing applications, leveraging the data generated or ingested by NorthStar’s satellites. Using mostly Java, the team is building a service-oriented architecture to fulfill the needs of the future customers. The team is composed of individuals specializing in orbit dynamics, artificial intelligence, and software development.

We are developing a new set of unique SSA analytical tools that will exploit our data to help space operators do their missions more safely and efficiently. Your team will work closely with the Space Intelligence and Information (SI2) team based in Montreal who is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for monitoring the space environment using multiple sources for observations and geospatial data.  

Who you are 

We are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer (SOE) with strong engineering skills and experience to support our collision avoidance (COLA) service and situational awareness operations team. As a full member you will initially be responsible for preparatory activities, operation design and eventually, deliver state-of-the-art conjunction avoidance maneuver and commercial space domain awareness operations support.  

The position is full-time and permanent in Luxembourg. 

We are looking forward to meeting you! 

What you will Focus on 

You will be joining the team before the launch of the COLA service and work on getting the operations ready for the tasks at hand. During this phase, you support the development and maintenance of the operational products (procedures, databases and documentation) and the testing and validation of ground support systems. Closer to the launch of the service, attention will shift towards the readiness of operations personnel: rehearsing nominal and off-nominal operational scenarios through simulation campaigns. 

The tasks will include:  

• Ongoing monitoring and operations planning of in-orbit LEO ad GEO satellites  

• Processing ground- and space-based observations to improve orbital information  

• Interact with customers and other stakeholders both in terms of operational reporting and of feedback and requirement gathering  

• Providing on call support  

• Design and preparation of operational procedures for different missions 

• Preparation and execution of routine and contingency operations  

• Evolution of the STM services and satellite operation manuals and procedures  

• Collaborate with the software team in developing and testing of new tools 

• Identifying and supporting the implementation of system and process improvements in the team 

What you bring to the table

• You hold a degree in Aerospace Engineering or related area; 

• You have minimum of 2 years of experience in Collision Avoidance Maneuvers (CAM) operations and operations preparation (good to have); 

• You understand orbital mechanics and orbit determination concepts; 

• You have a system level knowledge of ground and satellite (sub)systems. We expect you to have worked with several platform and payload (sub)systems and ground systems; 

• You have a track record in operations preparation: development of operational products (procedures, databases and documentation) and the testing/validation of ground systems (mission control system, mission planning, on-board software maintenance tools, simulator); 

• You have in good knowledge of Space Industry Standards and Protocols (CCSDS and ECSS); 

• You have programming/scripting skills; 
• You are fluent in English, written and spoken. 

Essentially

• Passionate about spacecraft operations and engineering; 

• You are focused on customer operational success and satisfaction 

• System level knowledge of ground and spacecraft (sub)systems; Your hands-on experience with several platforms (sub)systems and ground systems (in particular the mission control system) will support and push our team to the next level; 

• Teamwork is key: You have positive and professional attitude; 

• You have a drive to succeed and a desire to grow professionally; 

• Excellent communication skills. 

What you can expect 

• Contribute to a company whose mission is to protect our planet and Space.     

• You will work with a highly collaborative team of world-class experts in different domains. This will provide you with better awareness of challenges in Space and on Earth and their impact on our environment.  

• A stimulating challenge and a high-visibility project.     

• A competitive salary.      

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working conditions.  

• An office located within walking distance of the historic city center and the main railway station.    

How to apply?   

 

To apply, click on the “Apply for This Job” button to share your resume and cover letter (in English or French).   

NorthStar is committed to creating and fostering a safe and inclusive work environment where our employees feel valued and heard. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from different backgrounds who can bring greater diversity to the way we think, including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.   

  

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