Space Situational Awareness Engineer

OKAPI:Orbits; Braunschweig; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Hybrid/Remote in Germany

Onboarding in Braunschweig

Job summary

OKAPI:Orbits in Braunschweig is seeking a highly skilled SSA data scientist / aerospace algorithm engineer to advance orbit propagation, OD, sensor fusion, and data integration for space surveillance.

You will collaborate with engineers and scientists to translate complex physics into production-ready software, while driving production-grade validation, model improvements, and scalable solutions in a fast-paced, research-driven environment.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Space Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or closely related field, or equivalent SSA/SST experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; outstanding candidates may be considered with 3+ years.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and flight dynamics.
• Experience in scientific programming using Java, Fortran (90+), or Python.
• Willingness to relocate to Germany and valid work permit for Germany/EU.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate and optimize third-party sensor data into the SSA platform.
• Integrate third-party data sources by working with providers to onboard data.
• Develop and optimize high-precision algorithms for orbit propagation, OD, sensor fusion, covariance modelling, and uncertainty quantification.
• Fuse data from diverse sources to create a unified view of space debris environment.
• Conduct V&V campaigns to benchmark algorithm performance against ground truth datasets.
• Work with software engineers to transition prototype algorithms into production-ready solutions.

Skills

Aerospace systems

Orbit mechanics

Python

Java

Fortran (90+)

Education

M.Sc. or higher in Aerospace Engineering / Space Engineering / Applied Mathematics / Applied Physics

Tools

Java

Fortran (90+)

Python

Job description

Your mission

Join us in safeguarding the sustainability of space operations through advanced space situational awareness (SSA) technologies. As part of our team, you will develop cutting-edge collision avoidance algorithms, enhance space situational awareness, and innovate tools for satellite operators. Your expertise in data science and physics will help us detect, predict, and mitigate orbital risks, ensuring safe and sustainable space exploration.

Your Tasks And Responsibilities

• You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of aerospace engineers, data scientists, and software developers to integrate and optimize third-party sensor data sources within our SSA platform. Your contributions will directly enhance the accuracy, automation, and scalability of our orbital risk management solutions.
• Integrate third-party data sources into our platform, working closely with providers to seamlessly onboard their data.
• Develop, implement, and optimize high-precision algorithms for orbit propagation, orbit determination (OD), sensor fusion, covariance modelling, and uncertainty quantification.
• Develop methods to fuse data from diverse sources into one common image of the space debris environment.
• Conduct validation and verification (V&V) campaigns to benchmark and refine algorithmic performance against ground truth datasets.
• Work closely with software engineers to transition prototype algorithms into scalable, production-ready solutions.

Your profile

Must-have:

• M.Sc. or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Space Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, or have prior work experience in the field of SSA/SST and related.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required. However, candidates with outstanding profiles may be considered with at least 3 years of experience.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and flight dynamics.
• Experience in scientific programming using at least one of the following languages: Java, Fortran (90+) or Python.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and research-driven environment.
• This position is only open to candidates currently based in Germany or willing to relocate.
• Valid working permit for Germany/EU.

Nice-to-have:

• Hands-on experience with space surveillance and tracking (SST) systems, including sensor tasking and catalog maintenance.
• Experience working with space agencies or private space companies in the SSA/SST field.
• Familiarity with space surveillance and tracking systems.
• Understanding of space policy and compliance frameworks.
• Experience with AI/ML applicationsfor anomaly detection, pattern recognition, or orbit prediction in SSA applications.
• Interest in contributing to the sustainability of space and long-term spaceflight operations.

Why us?

• With a lean hierarchy and small working groups, you define your own way of work including flexible work hours.
• Work on groundbreaking space sustainability challenges with a team of top-tier engineers and scientists.
• After your on-boarding time in Braunschweig, you can choose between staying in our office (what we prefer), working remote (within Germany) or a hybrid approach.
• Enjoy technical freedom. Influence system architecture, research methodologies, and data integration approaches.
• Grow continuously with access to training budgets, industry conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Be part of a strong engineering culture, with regular knowledge-sharing sessions, technical deep dives, and innovation sprints.
• Great team spirit, with company-wide events such as monthly all-hands lunches, and social activities like laser tag, dinners, and team‑building outings.

About Us

OKAPI:Orbits is at the forefront of space sustainability, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the space industry: the growing problem of crowded orbital regimes, and the need for more efficient satellite operations. We're providing end-to-end solutions that help various space industry players cover their Space Situation Awareness (SSA), and Space Traffic Management and Coordination (STM & STC) needs. We are committed to safeguarding space missions and access to space for all humanity. Join us on our mission.

Last but not least, we would like to share with you that research shows that women are less likely to apply for a position unless they meet 100% of the listed requirements.

Please know that if it’s your case — but you are passionate about space technology, building reliable software, and contributing to a more sustainable space environment — we strongly encourage you to apply.

OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a highly diverse team, and we actively continue to strengthen this diversity which allows us to achieve higher performance and drive innovation.