Space Sustainability Engineer

Telesat; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Ottawa is looking for an engineer to provide support to their Spectrum Strategy division. Your responsibilities will include analyzing global policy initiatives related to Space Sustainability and participating in forums to present the company's position. A PhD or Master's in Aerospace Engineering or Astrophysics is required along with proven experience in Orbital Debris Modelling and Python programming. This role offers a hybrid work model with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree and 2+ years of quantitative field research experience.
• Strong background in Orbital Mechanics with experience in Orbital Debris Modelling.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze satellite space safety regulations.
• Assist in the development of technical documentation.
• Participate in national and international forums regarding sustainable use of orbit resources.

Skills

Quantitative field research experience

Aerospace Engineering or Astrophysics

Orbital Mechanics

Orbital Debris Modelling

Statistical analysis

Python programming

C++

NASA DAS

Agile project management

Fluent in English

Education

PhD or Master's degree

Tools

Confluence

Jira

Job description

The incumbent will provide engineering support to the Spectrum Strategy, Innovation & Space Sustainability division and, specifically, will carry out a systematic analysis, summary and reporting of all global policy initiatives related to Space Sustainability that may be relevant for Telesat. The incumbent will also support the analysis and software development for mathematical models related to the sustainable use of orbits and associated spectrum resources. The incumbent will also actively participate in relevant forums to defend and promote Telesat views on the matters above.

Main Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze and interpret existing satellite space safety regulations, including domestic, regional and international frameworks for satellite launches, operations, deorbiting, preservation of human life in space, human casualty risk, impact on optical-astronomy and unintended electromagnetic radiation from space
• Monitor, analyze and interpret existing standards (e.g., ISO, CCSDS, etc.) including those related to the safe operation of space objects and to policies on SSA/STC/STM. This activity may involve representing Telesat in selected standardization bodies
• Assist in the development of technical documentation to demonstrate compliance with requirements related to the abovementioned matters
• Assist in carrying out relevant analysis using specialized software such as NASA DAS and ESA tools (e.g., DRAMA, MASTER, DISCOS)
• Analyze existing literature relative to mathematical models including on orbital debris modelling, orbital carrying capacity, collision risk, reliability requirements, deorbit methodologies, and impact of satellite re‑entry into the Earth atmosphere
• Assist at implementing in software such models and develop technical arguments to refine and/or improve them, considering the design and requirements of the Telesat Lightspeed system
• Contribute to activities related to the coordination of the operations of the Telesat Lightspeed system with the astronomers’ communities
• Cooperate with other relevant Telesat teams (e.g., Space Programs & Operations) to ensure that the latest developments on the Telesat Lightspeed program are duly considered in all activities above
• Provide regular updates to management on the activities above using simple and effective language
• Actively participate in national and international fora (e.g., ITU, UNOOSA/COPUOS, relevant conferences) to present and defend Telesat positions related to the sustainable use of orbit and spectrum resources, as required
• Maintain and develop internal documentation related to the activities above

Education and Experience Required

• PhD, or Master's degree and 2+ years of quantitative field research experience
• Aerospace Engineering or Astrophysics strongly preferred
• Solid background in Orbital Mechanics
• Must have experience in Orbital Debris Modelling
• Basic knowledge of existing space safety regulation an asset
• Experience in statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification
• Excellent and verified Python programming skills
• Knowledge of other programming languages (e.g. C++) or tools (e.g. NASA DAS) an asset
• Previous participation at international congresses/conferences/workshops an asset
• Experience in using corporate wiki and agile project management software (e.g. Confluence, Jira) an asset
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal. Knowledge of another UN language an asset
• Strong technical, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills

Working Conditions

• Hybrid working environment (depending on location)
• May be required to travel up to 20% of the time, sometimes for periods up to 10-15 consecutive days
• Location: EMEA/US/Ottawa