Space Situational Awareness Engineer

OKAPI:Orbits; Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Technical freedom

Training budgets & conferences

Team-building events

Job summary

OKAPI:Orbits invites a talented researcher to join our SSA team in Europe, focusing on cutting-edge collision avoidance and orbital risk management. You will integrate sensor data, develop high-precision orbit propagation and OD algorithms, and push production-ready solutions.

With a background in Aerospace, applied math, or physics and 5 years of experience, you will work across a multidisciplinary team to advance space sustainability and innovate data-fusion approaches for reliable satellite

Qualifications

• MSc or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Space Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; exceptions possible for outstanding profiles with 3+ years.
• Strong knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics and flight dynamics.
• Experience in scientific programming using Java, Fortran (90+) or Python.
• Valid working permit for Spain/EU.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate and optimize third-party sensor data within our SSA platform.
• Integrate third-party data sources and onboard data with providers.
• Develop, implement and optimize high-precision algorithms for orbit propagation, orbit determination, sensor fusion, covariance modelling and uncertainty quantification.
• Fuse data from diverse sources into a single image of the space debris environment.
• Conduct V&V campaigns to benchmark and refine algorithmic performance against ground truth datasets.
• Work with software engineers to transition prototypes into scalable, production-ready solutions.

Skills

Astrodynamics knowledge

Python programming

Java programming

Fortran programming

Education

MSc in Aerospace Engineering / Space Engineering / Applied Mathematics / Applied Physics

Tools

Java

Fortran (90+)

Python

Job description

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.

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 -

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.

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.
• Valid working permit for Spain/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 from Spain (Madrid/Barcelona)
• 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 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.

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 —

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.