LEO Constellation Architect & Mission Designer

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

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.