Senior Engineer - Flight Dynamics

Job Overview

This role involves executing Flight Dynamics operations and analyses to support continuous 24x7 spacecraft operations for both GEO and LEO satellites. Responsibilities include orbit determination, maneuver planning, conjunction risk assessments, mission analysis, tool development, and reporting to ensure the health and efficiency of Space42's satellite fleet.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct daily flight dynamics operations including spacecraft fleet maneuver optimization, orbit determination, and orbital event forecasting.
• Prepare detailed reports covering close approach assessment, remaining propellant calculations, and Orbital Manoeuvre Life predictions to maintain satellite safety.
• Support the Technical Engineering Team and other departments with flight dynamics expertise.
• Improve systems and processes to align with organizational policies and regulatory standards while enhancing automation workflows.
• Participate in flight dynamics software validation and end-to-end testing processes.
• Provide on-site support during abnormal maneuvers, anomalies, and participate in on-call rotation for satellite operations support.
• Deliver training on flight dynamics topics across all experience levels and ensure appropriate training materials and trainers are available.
• Offer specialist knowledge for LEO constellation operations including orbit maintenance, formation control, collision avoidance, re-entry prediction, and performance monitoring.
• Conduct mission analysis for upcoming satellite missions such as constellation design, disposal methods, maneuver strategies, and operational concept planning.
• Develop internal automation tools for data analysis and operational reporting.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mathematics, Physics, or related engineering discipline.
• Strong proficiency in written and verbal English communication.
• At least 4 years of experience as a Flight Dynamics Engineer within satellite operations or related organizations.
• Expertise in proprietary flight dynamics software design and use.
• Experience with station keeping planning, orbit determination, maneuver calibration, and orbital event prediction.
• Knowledge in propellant accounting, nominal and contingency operations.
• Deep understanding of orbital dynamics theory including satellite orbits, maneuvers, orbit determination, and space weather.
• Familiarity with spacecraft operations and design focusing on satellite subsystems, telemetry, commanding, ranging, and communication security.
• Understanding of ground station operations, tracking data, and flight dynamics tool design and use for analysis and reporting.
• Competence in close approach analysis involving orbital debris, sun outage and ephemeris data handling, propellant gauging, and orbital manoeuvre life estimation.
• Skill in satellite and orbit visualization tools such as STK and knowledge of CCSDS standards.
• Operational experience in LEO including orbit maintenance, collision avoidance maneuver preparation, and contingency operations.
• Strong foundation in mathematics and physics areas including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, dynamics, differential equations, statistics, classical mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficient presentation and training capabilities to convey technical results and flight dynamics principles effectively to diverse audiences.
• Programming abilities with a focus on coding practices, data processing and analysis primarily using Python, experience with Git/version control, testing, and APIs.

Desired Personal Attributes

• Effective time management with appropriate prioritization and efficient execution of tasks.
• Analytical mindset able to identify inconsistencies and improvements.
• Proactive initiative by anticipating operational needs and challenging current practices.
• Reflective evaluation of activities to apply lessons learned and consider stakeholder perspectives.
• Strong teamwork skills with collaborative work ethic and constructive feedback provision.
• Clear and effective communication abilities suitable for presentations and complex information sharing.
• Problem-solving aptitude showing logical approach, preventive thinking, and correct escalation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary packages alongside comprehensive medical insurance coverage for employees and their families.
• Programs focusing on wellbeing to support personal and professional development.
• Access to exclusive discounts across lifestyle and leisure services within the UAE.

Company Profile

Space42 is a UAE-based AI-driven SpaceTech firm combining satellite communication, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance terrestrial insights from space. Formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42 serves government, enterprise, and community clients worldwide, emphasizing innovative space services powered by smart AI solutions.