Flight Dynamics Analyst

MDA Geospatial Services is adding a Flight Dynamics Analyst (FDA) to Satellite Operations supporting multiple space missions operated at the Canadian Space Agency, in St-Hubert, QC. The satellite operations team at MDA is responsible for all flight operations activities with a focus on station-keeping, monitoring and maintaining the health and safety of the satellites, as well as improving their reliability and efficiency of the ground system.

During their first year with the team, the candidate can expect to gain exposure in the relevant flight operation functional areas before transitioning to an on-call role. The main functional area for this role is in flight dynamics including orbit determination and maneuvering. After training, the Flight Dynamics Analyst (FDA) will act as a first responder to any anomalies and will be responsible for leading investigations and recoveries and collision avoidance activities. The FDA will be required to implement system modifications of both the spacecraft orbit and flight dynamics ground systems with cross-system interdependencies to enhance or maintain performance. The FDA should have a good understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including bus attitude control and propulsion systems. The FDA will also require an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ground systems including those used to task the spacecraft as well as processing and analysis tools used for performance monitoring of spacecraft telemetry. A good understanding of operational constraints and procedures is essential. The FDA may have to review, test, and develop operational procedures and write reports.

The candidate should have excellent organizational, leadership, and communications skills as well as a strong sense of real-time operations management. The candidate should have a good ability to work independently with initiative and little supervision as well as good reporting skills to management.

Teamwork skills and a positive attitude are essential for building productive working relationships in a satellite operations environment.

 This position is located at the MDA Control Centre, Canadian Space Agency Headquarters, in St-Hubert, QC.

 Primary responsibilities:

• Monitor and report system performance, including performance of orbit control, against defined metrics through spacecraft telemetry analysis and other data sources
• Operate an orbit determination and control system and report on the performance and quality of the results
• Perform conjunction analysis and make recommendations for collision avoidance maneuvers when necessary
• Plan and implement orbit maneuvers as needed, particularly for collision avoidance
• Troubleshoot system (satellite and/or ground) anomalies with on-call support on a rotational basis when non-nominal operations are detected
• Lead development projects for system software and operational enhancements
• Follow well-defined procedures and enforce application of well-defined processes
• Maintain flight operations systems, operations procedures, and other operational tools

 Requirements:

• Degree or higher degree in numerate discipline, preferably in the areas of electrical, aerospace or mechanical engineering or physics. Post graduate degree in other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields will also be considered
• Experience in practical orbit determination
• Good understanding of orbit mechanics
• Good understanding of satellite bus subsystems (ADCS, power, thermal, etc.) and/or radar payload systems
• Strong leadership experience
• Flexible team player, with the agility to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Well-organized with ability to independently manage priorities
• Keen interest and passion for innovation
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Working language is in English
• Willingness to participate in a rotating “on-call” schedule to support anomaly decision and resolution process outside regular work hours
• The work is to be performed on site at the Canadian Space Agency in St-Hubert 5 days a week.
• The candidate must be able to qualify for a Canadian Secret level clearance

 Assets:

• Experience in analysis tools such as STK/ODTK, Orekit, MATLAB
• Experience in programming languages such as Java and C/C++ as well as JavaScript, Python and/or Perl
• Experience with Databases

 

Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package

The candidate must be able to qualify for Canadian SECRET clearance.

 MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at its many locations. As a member of the MDA team, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection for employees and their families through health care plans, disability income protection, life insurance, and other employee benefits. The Company's retirement plans encourage employees to save for their future with a Company matching contribution in many locations.​