Mission Analysis Engineer
Orbit Fab
With a vision for a bustling in-space economy that can support permanent jobs in space, Orbit Fab is building the fundamental infrastructure this entire economy can be built upon: a fuel supply in orbit.
Today, satellites cannot be refueled. A single-use paradigm severely limits satellite mobility and holds back the development of economic activities in space. Orbit Fab is building the first Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure. We develop the supply chain architecture and technology to deliver propellant in space, allowing satellites to be built for lower cost, to be more flexible and maneuverable, to be more precisely controlled, and to operate longer, enabling operations and business models that have never before been imagined..
Established in 2018, we have already flown three tankers to space; with the first one flown within one year of founding. Working closely with partners and customers across the space industry, we are making the thriving in-space economy a reality.
With a vision for a bustling in-space economy that can support permanent jobs in space, Orbit Fab is building the fundamental infrastructure this entire economy can be built upon: a fuel supp
Role
As a Mission Analysis Engineer at Orbit Fab, you will help to shape the future of refueling in space and by extension the broader space ecosystem. You will conduct analyses of how refueling fits into and supports a wide variety of space mission scenarios in LEO, GEO, cis-lunar space, and beyond. You will also help analyze and optimize Orbit Fab’s refueling constellation architecture and be a key part of planning and executing the astrodynamics aspects of Orbit Fab’s in space refueling missions.
This position is open to multiple levels of experience and exact roles/responsibilities will be tailored to the selected candidate. Don’t hesitate to apply if you are more or less experienced than listed! Below are the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities that we need to have as a team. You don't need all of them. Your aptitude for complex technical challenges and your practical experience solving problems and designing/building/coding stuff will trump specific qualification or tools any day!
Responsibilities
Apply orbital mechanics knowledge to analyzing refueling mission scenarios in support of government and commercial use cases
Present results of refueling case studies to customers and internal stakeholders
Support development of our analysis tool that enables Orbit Fab to assess refueling costs, benefits, and timelines for a variety of mission scenarios
Participate in concept of operations (conops) development for Orbit Fab missions
Develop and implement operational orbit determination and maneuver planning for Orbit Fab missions
Assist with developing proposals for future Orbit Fab work
Contribute to Orbit Fab’s leadership in in-space refueling by contributing to studies of refueling in Earth orbit, cis-lunar space, and beyond
Experience, Qualifications, and Characteristics
Knowledge of Orbital Mechanics and experience solving orbital mechanics problems
Practical experience with satellite orbit determination algorithms, state estimation from GPS and other data sources, state filters (e.g. extended kalman filters), and orbit propagation methods
Experience using Matlab for simulation, data analysis, and plotting
Experience with STK, GMAT, or similar mission analysis tools
Strong technical communicator and presenter
Expertise working in a diverse, multidisciplinary team environment that includes business communication and diverse engineering disciplines
Excellent oral and written communication skills
BS degree and three (3) years of related engineering experience, or
MS degree in related field and one (1) years of related engineering experience, or
Ph.D. in related field and zero (0) years of related experience
Nice to Have
Orbit Determination Algorithm Development
Trajectory optimization experience
- Experience with spacecraft systems engineering including design budgets and requirements definition
- Knowledge of business aspects of the space industry including common business models in LEO and GEO
- Experience with proposal process
- Familiarity with the space industry and in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM)
Experience with missions and trajectory analyses involving rendezvous
Experience with relative orbital elements approaches
Experience with spacecraft attitude determination and control systems
Demonstrated ability to communicate work completed clearly in technical papers and reports
Software backend/frontend skills
Database development skills
Familiarity with space flight operations and procedures
Experience with requirements management, decomposition, and communication.
Active Security Clearance
If you feel you would succeed in the role above, we encourage you to apply regardless of whether or not you meet all of the requirements listed.
Location and Benefits
Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits and flexible work hours.
Eligibility
To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.
Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
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