Mission Analysis & Flight Dynamics Engineer Verified today

About Leaf Space

Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up and leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. We deliver satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and exploit data from remote sensing and IoT communications.

The Role

You will convert orbital geometry into operational insight for our satellite-based mesh network. You'll model how spacecraft see each other and the ground, quantify network performance throughout the constellation lifecycle, and use analysis to guide design, deployment, and operations decisions. This hands-on analytical role directly impacts how the network is architected and flown.

What You'll Do

• Analyze satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground visibilities, contact windows, and link geometries across the constellation.
• Support mission analysis and flight dynamics activities for the Leaf Line service.
• Model orbit geometries and dynamics including relative motion, phasing, coverage, revisit, and constellation deployment/maintenance strategies.
• Assess mesh network topology and connectivity over time: routing feasibility, latency, capacity, and resilience as the geometry evolves.
• Analyze ground station network capacity needs and system performance simulations.
• Build and maintain simulation and analysis tools; automate recurring studies and produce clear, decision-ready results.
• Support engineering trade-off studies by providing quantitative mission analysis.
• Work closely with systems engineering, flight dynamics, and operations to translate mission requirements into analysis and back into design trade-offs.

Your Background

You hold a degree in aerospace engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field, with roughly 3-5 years of relevant experience in mission analysis, flight dynamics, or space systems.

What We're Looking For

Technical skills:

• Solid grounding in orbital mechanics: reference frames, propagation, constellation design, and access/visibility analysis.
• Programming for analysis and automation. Python strongly preferred (NumPy, Astropy, Skyfield, poliastro, or equivalent).
• Experience with mission analysis tools such as GMAT, STK/Ansys, FreeFlyer, or similar.
• Ability to communicate analysis clearly to engineers and decision-makers.
• Familiarity with satellite communications, link budgets, or network/routing concepts.
• Exposure to operational flight dynamics or ground segment.

Soft skills:

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, suppliers, and management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex analyses clearly.
• Rigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions and transparency when prior estimates need correction.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation.
• Fluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners.

What We Offer

• Flat and collaborative organizational structure.
• Fast-paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale-up.
• Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem.
• International and diverse workplace.
• Comprehensive benefits: welfare platform, meal vouchers (€8/day), hybrid work policy, and training opportunities.

Compensation

• Salary range: €37,000-€50,000 per year.
• Variable compensation: 10% on annual gross salary.
• Reports to: Head of Engineering.
• Career level: P3 (Experienced Professional).
• Location: Lomazzo (Como), Italy; hybrid work model.
• Expected start date: 1 October 2026.