Senior Engineer - Flight Dynamics

ABOUT USSpace42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities.Our vision is to pioneer beyond today for humanity to experience a better tomorrow. Space42 challenges traditional approaches with advanced AI and cutting-edge satellite technology, making space more accessible and redefining how data from space can be used on Earth. We aim to achieve this by connecting people to rewire potential, informing decisions to reimagine impact and enabling action to redefine tomorrow.For more information visit: www.space42.ai, follow us on X and Instagram @Space42aiROLE PURPOSETo perform Flight Dynamics operations and analysis to provide routine/non-routine spacecraft operations support and mission planning to assure efficient and continuous 24x7 spacecraft fleet operation for both GEO and LEO satellites.The role is responsible for orbit determination, manoeuvre planning, conjunction assessment, mission analysis, operational tool development, reporting and technical support during routine and contingency spacecraft operations.RESPONSIBILITIESCarry out all flight dynamics daily operations including optimal spacecraft fleet manoeuvre planning, orbit determination & orbital events prediction.Provide reports for all Flight Dynamics analyses necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Space42 satellite fleet, to include close approach analysis, remaining propellant computations and Orbital Manoeuvre Life (OML) predictions.Provide Flight Dynamics support to the Technical Engineering Team and other departments, as required.Perform the system and process improvement of flight dynamics daily operations ensuring compliance with the department’s standard operational policies, processes, procedures and controls so that all relevant procedural/ legislative requirements are fulfilled. Improve the automation workflows.Support flight dynamics software validation and end to end testing.Support the orbital aspects of spacecraft operations, ensuring the provision of on-site support for aborted manoeuvres and anomalies. Participate in the on-call rotation to support satellite operations.Provide training of Flight Dynamics subjects within Space42 at all levels. Ensure there are adequate training materials and trainers competent to deliver the training.Provide subject matter expertise for LEO constellation operations, including orbit maintenance, formation management, collision avoidance, re-entry prediction, and operational performance monitoring.Perform mission analysis for future satellite mission such as constellation design, disposal planning, manoeuvre strategy and operational concept development.Develop internal tools for automation, operational data analysis and reporting.QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS Strong verbal and written communication skills in EnglishBSc Aerospace, Maths, Physics or Related Engineering.ExperienceMinimum of 4 years as Flight Dynamics Engineer in one or more Satellite Operations companies.SkillsTime managementPrioritizes assigned tasks appropriately.Allocates time appropriately to assigned tasks.Carries out assigned tasks efficiently.AnalyticalSystematically analyses information or a situation to ascertain any inconsistencies or improvement opportunities.InitiativeChallenges the ongoing thinking and takes concrete steps to explore ideas.Anticipates the needs of planning for non-routine Operations without the need to wait for obvious instructions.Reflective analysis Evaluates events to ask if Operational activities could have been conducted better.Considers points of views from stakeholders. Learns from past events and applies lessons learned to future activities.TeamworkCreate and maintain good working relationships.Works collaboratively with team members.Provides some constructive feedback to peers and management.CommunicationAble to effectively represent team, department or company in presentations or meetings (internal and external).Able to communicate complex messages clearly (written and oral) with managers and colleagues.Problem solvingDemonstrates common sense and logic to solve problems within scope of functional role.Anticipates problems and implements preventative measures.Knows when to escalate problems/issues.TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTSDesign and Use of Proprietary Flight Dynamics SoftwareStation keeping planningOrbit determination & manoeuvre calibrationOrbital events predictionPropellant accountingOther regular nominal activitiesContingency activitiesGood understanding of Orbital Dynamics Theory:Different Satellite OrbitsSatellite ManoeuvresOrbit DeterminationSpace WeatherGood understanding of Spacecraft Operations & Design:Satellite subsystemsTelemetry, commanding and rangingCommunication & transmission securityGood understanding of Ground Station Operations & Design:Ground station overview Tracking dataDesign & Use of Flight Dynamics Tools, Analysis and Reporting:Close approach analysis with orbital debrisSun outage & ephemeris data preparationPropellant Gauging & Orbital Manoeuvre Life (OML) estimationData processing and presentationSatellite & Orbit Visualization e.g. STKKnowledge of CCSDS standardsLEO nominal and contingency operations:Orbit maintenanceCOLA Manoeuvres preparationContingency OperationsGood understanding of Mathematics & PhysicsAlgebraTrigonometry & geometryCalculusDynamics & differential equationsStatisticsClassical mechanicsThermodynamicsPresentation and Training Skills Presentation of technical results in written or verbal formPresentation Skills/Able to explain complex concepts to various levels. Able to provide training on Flight Dynamics principlesAble to provide training on Flight Dynamics principlesProgrammingUnderstanding of coding practicesData Processing and analysis: PythonGit and version controlTestingAPIsOUR BENEFITS & PERKSCompetitive compensation packages and comprehensive medical insurance to support you and your family.Wellbeing-focused initiatives and resources, designed to enhance your personal and professional life.Access to exclusive discount programs, offering savings across various lifestyle and leisure experiences across the UAE.WHAT MAKES A GREAT FITIf you are performance-driven and possess an inquisitive mind with the agility to navigate ambiguity, you will thrive here. At the heart of the Space42 community is a bias for action and a passion for developing innovative, efficient space services through AI-driven smart solutions that drive technological advancements and create a better tomorrow.