GNC & Astrodynamics Engineer (Constellation) - Mission Operations Seen this week

About Lynk

Lynk invented satellite direct-to-device (D2D) technology and holds the world's only commercial FCC license to operate a D2D system. Lynk enables mobile subscribers to send and receive text messages via standard unmodified mobile devices anywhere on the planet. The service operates in over 30 countries with approximately 50 countries covered by 40+ MNO commercial service contracts.

The Role

You will define, develop and implement orbital dynamics strategies and tools for Lynk's Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation. This is a technical leadership role where you architect orbital strategy as the subject matter expert, not necessarily managing a large team on day one. You will build the automated autopilot for stationkeeping, debris avoidance, and constellation management without human intervention.

Unlike traditional programs, this role directly shapes live operational behavior for satellites already in orbit, with feedback loops measured in days, not years. You will replace legacy manual workflows with modern, automated, scalable systems.

Core Responsibilities

Mission Operations Support

• Review satellite telemetry for flight dynamics and attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) to assess health and performance
• Analyze telemetry deviations and recommend corrective actions or calibration updates
• Lead all flight dynamics efforts during launch and early operations (LEOP) phases, collaborating across teams

Automated Tool Development

• Drive development and enhancement of orbital dynamics analysis software with advanced algorithms and automation
• Build and implement automation pipelines for Collision Avoidance (COLA) to scale across a growing constellation
• Incorporate automation and scalability into maneuver planning to support growth from few satellites to hundreds

Orbital Strategy and Maneuver Architecture

• Lead planning and execution of satellite maneuvers (altitude adjustments, phasing, deployment)
• Develop strategies that maximize operational efficiency, extend satellite lifetime, and maintain constellation geometry
• Lead safe deorbit and disposal maneuvers in compliance with international debris mitigation guidelines

Constellation Performance Analysis

• Perform detailed analysis of constellation configurations to optimize system performance and meet mission objectives
• Implement algorithms and tools for constellation planning, including orbit determination and design optimization
• Conduct long-term sustainment analyses including fuel budgeting and end-of-life strategy planning

First 12 Months

Initial focus is on automation, tooling, and decision-support, not 24/7 operational ownership. You will work closely with Mission Operations, Flight Software, and Systems Engineering teams.

• Participate in make/buy trades for orbital dynamics software
• Lead flight dynamics efforts during launch and early operations phases
• Develop flight dynamics system maintenance guides, user manuals, and training plans
• Turn conjunction data into automated, repeatable maneuver recommendations
• Replace manual, commercial-software-driven workflows with fit-for-purpose automated pipelines
• Design decision thresholds that balance collision risk, fuel usage, and operational cadence
• Design constellation deployment and stationkeeping strategies that scale

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in satellite operations, mission design, maneuver planning, or Collision Avoidance analysis
• Demonstrated proficiency in orbital mechanics, satellite dynamics, and control theory
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and troubleshooting abilities for complex orbital dynamics challenges
• Experience with collision avoidance, conjunction assessment, or safety-critical decision systems
• Knowledge of Space Situational Awareness principles including tracking, cataloging space objects, and interpreting Conjunction Data Messages
• Proficiency in numerical methods and algorithms relevant to orbital dynamics, including numerical integration and orbit optimization
• Experience designing, implementing, and refining software tools for orbital dynamics analysis and operations
• Proficiency with programming languages and tools such as Python, MATLAB, Orekit, and STK

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. section 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. section 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Location

Chantilly, VA