Job description
AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Associate Flight Dynamics Engineer
The Flight Dynamics Engineer is responsible for developing the processes, tools and procedures required for successful operation and expansion of the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. This includes development of the Flight Dynamics products used by the Mission Operations team. This position is critical to the safety of our satellite constellation. This role will have strong focuses on spaceflight safety, automation, and scalability.
Duties include:
Analyze AST satellite Flight Dynamics from initial launch through end-of-life for the entire constellation, including:
Orbit Determination
Maneuver Planning and Performance
Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance
Constellation Analysis
Perform trade studies on Flight Dynamics & operations software tools
Develop operations processes that evolve throughout the lifetime of the AST SpaceMobile constellation
Improve existing operations procedures and processes to incorporate lessons learned from on-orbit performance
Support development of scalable Flight Dynamics automation tools
Work with systems engineers and vendors to develop operational products required for launch & early orbit phase (LEOP), on-orbit checkout, commissioning, and operation of satellites.
Develop and test mission operations procedures, sequences of events, telemetry displays, and other Flight Dynamics products
Support system-level integration tests and end-to-end tests between Flight Dynamics, Mission Operations, on-orbit satellites, and factory satellites
Support mission readiness activities including operations training, tests, mission simulations, and rehearsals
Provide mission-critical technical support for satellite Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance, including periodic on-call support
Support system development activities such as design reviews, readiness reviews, requirements management, architecture development, integration & test, and formal program milestones
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field
Programming/scripting experience, Python strongly preferred
Experience with satellite mission analysis tools, such STK (preferred), GMAT, FreeFlyer
Strong background or coursework in orbital mechanics/astrodynamics
Comfortable working in a Windows environment
Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel )
Demonstrated ability to drive requirements for concepts of operation
Demonstrated ability to work independently when necessary
High level of problem-solving capabilities
Self-starter willing to take ownership and initiative
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Ability to work in a remote, distributed team with diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success
Ability to work to tight deadlines in high stress environments
Preferred Qualifications:
1-3+ years of Flight Dynamics experience is preferred
Multi-satellite LEO constellation experience, especially working with Mission Operations
Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence)
Familiarity with version control software, preferably Git
System engineering experience or significant classwork in system engineering or system design
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
