Astrodynamics Lead (Founding Role)

Apolink Communcations; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Relocation

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Apolink Communications is seeking a hands‑on orbital dynamics engineer to design a scalable LEO constellation and manage end‑to‑end mission planning. You will define plane count, altitudes, inclinations, and phasing while ensuring coverage and RF/ISL integration with the propulsion and bus teams.

You will develop DV budgets, run conjunction screening, and provide orbital parameters for regulatory filings. A strong background in astrodynamics and Python is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Direct, hands‑on experience with LEO mission or constellation design.
• 4+ years in applied astrodynamics, mission design, or flight dynamics.
• BS/MS/PhD in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or physics, or equivalent demonstrated depth.
• Proficiency with at least one of GMAT, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, Orekit, Tudat, or Basilisk, and strong Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and own constellation architecture: plane count, altitude, inclination, LTAN, and intra‑ and inter‑plane phasing.
• Run SLA‑grade coverage analysis on link‑closing access and handover continuity.
• Work with the RF team to close coverage analysis against RF link budgets.
• Model ISL relative geometry between constellation members and customer spacecraft.
• Develop Δv and propellant budgets for drag makeup, station‑keeping, and end‑of‑life disposal.
• Build and maintain the orbit determination, ephemeris, and maneuver‑planning pipeline.
• Provide orbital parameters and deorbit analysis for filings.

Skills

Python

Orbit design

Conjunction screening

Education

BS/MS/PhD in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or physics

Tools

GMAT

STK/ODTK

FreeFlyer

Orekit

Tudat

Basilisk

Job description

About Apolink

Apolink is building the first-ever backward-compatible data relay constellation in low Earth orbit. By enabling efficient data aggregation and relay through our hybrid RF-optical inter-satellite link (ISL) architecture, we support scalable and resilient space infrastructure across commercial, federal, and defense applications.

About The Role

In this role, you’ll design the constellation, verify RAAN and phasing, and run the coverage analysis that shows which architectures meet customer SLAs. You’ll also build the propulsion and Δv budgets for deployment, station-keeping, collision avoidance, and de-orbit. This starts with our upcoming paired demonstration satellite mission and scales to the full LEO relay constellation. You’ll work directly with the bus, propulsion, and optical/RF link teams and turn orbital analysis into hardware and mission requirements. The role is hands‑on end to end: modeling, trade studies, maneuver planning, and on‑orbit operations.

Responsibilities:

• Design and own constellation architecture: plane count, altitude, inclination, LTAN, and intra- and inter-plane phasing, traded against coverage, launch cost, and ISL geometry

• Run SLA‑grade coverage analysis on link‑closing access: handover continuity, window durations, gap statistics, and percent‑time‑covered for specific target orbits.

• Work with the RF team to close coverage and access analysis against real RF link budgets rather than geometric visibility alone. This means computing access windows only where range, elevation, off‑boresight angle, Doppler, and slant‑path losses support the required data rate and margin.

• Model ISL relative geometry between constellation members and customer spacecraft, including range, angular constraints, and handover timing. Iterate with the RF and optical teams so orbit design and link design converge.

• Develop Δv and propellant budgets for drag makeup across the solar cycle, station‑keeping, collision avoidance, and end‑of‑life disposal. Provide thruster and propellant sizing inputs to the bus team.

• Build and maintain the orbit determination, ephemeris, and maneuver‑planning pipeline. Own conjunction screening and CDM response through Space‑Track and commercial SSA providers.

• Provide orbital parameters and deorbit analysis for the commercial FCC and ITU filings.

Qualifications:

• Direct, hands‑on experience with LEO mission or constellation design: orbit selection, SSO design, and station‑keeping for flown or flight‑bound spacecraft.

• 4+ years in applied astrodynamics, mission design, or flight dynamics.

• BS/MS/PhD in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or physics, or equivalent demonstrated depth.

• Proficiency with at least one of GMAT, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, Orekit, Tudat, or Basilisk, and strong Python.

• Solid perturbation modeling: J2 and higher‑order gravity, atmospheric drag (NRLMSISE‑00, JB2008), and SRP.

• Capacity to exercise independent technical judgment as the orbital authority and be accountable for it.

Preferred:

• Constellation, formation‑flying, or relative‑motion experience.

• Flight dynamics operations experience, including maneuver execution, OD, and conjunction response.

• Experience planning electric or cold‑gas propulsion maneuvers.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Meaningful early‑stage equity

• Opportunity to own optical for a constellation end to end

• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), relocation assistance

Salary:

$150,000-$190,000

Additional Information

To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apolink Communications is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.