Orbit Dynamics Specialist

Location:  Luxembourg

Reporting To:  Orbit Dynamics Team Lead

Contract Type:  Full-time, Permanent 

Languages:  English (required), French (preferred), and/ or German (preferred) 

Who we are and what we do 

  
NorthStar Earth & Space (“NorthStar”) is the world’s leading space-based data analytics company. We use optical, radar, and other Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data as building blocks to create information services tailored to the requirements of clients from both government and industry. Our extensive and patented development portfolio includes orbital dynamics and machine learning algorithms for a variety of applications in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Traffic Management (STM). With headquarters in Montreal, Canada, European headquarters in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, and US operations in McLean, Virginia, the company is solving the ever-increasing risk of space operations and empowering humanity to preserve our planet. 

To continue the growth of our Luxembourg office, we are looking for an Orbital Dynamics Specialist. 

Who you'll work with 

  
You will be joining a team of astrodynamics experts working at the state of the art in algorithm research, prototyping, and implementation. We work on topics like covariance realism, uncertainty propagation, and data fusion, culminating in world class tools for our customer operators and internal analysts. 

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, software developers, and other technical experts based in Luxembourg and distributed across all NorthStar locations. Together we are committed to developing innovative solutions for monitoring and protecting the space environment.  

What you will do 

Research and develop methods to support NorthStar’s space sustainability and security missions 

Monitor and contribute to the state of the art by continuously reviewing the literature and communicating selected work in astrodynamics conferences and journals 

Lead prototyping activities to identify, improve, and adapt algorithms in active research areas to support current and future product lines 

Provide expert analyst support for NorthStar’s Collision Avoidance and SDA operational contracts 

Contribute to and lead writing of proposals and deliverables to support NorthStar’s R&D activities and document the work performed 

Work with software developers to implement, test, and continuously improve NorthStar tools.  

What you bring to the table    

We are looking for a research-oriented expert with a PhD – or a Master’s degree plus industry research experience – and are open to candidates in different career stages. If you meet most of the criteria below, please don’t hesitate to apply! 

Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in astrodynamics or a related science or engineering domain 

Professional and/or research experience working on topics like uncertainty quantification and propagation, orbit determination, collision avoidance, or other flight dynamics topics 

Ability to code in Python or other programming languages with experience using astrodynamics, data analysis, or machine learning frameworks 

Passion for working in a multidisciplinary team, thinking independently, and solving problems in a dynamic environment 

Ability and willingness to communicate clearly and concisely, adapting your communication style to different audiences and translating complex information into simple terms. 

What you can expect    

To join and contribute to a company whose mission is the sustainability of our planet and Space.  

To work with a highly collaborative team of world-class experts in different domains. This will provide you with better awareness of challenges in Space and on Earth and their impacts on our environment.  

A stimulating challenge, high-visibility projects, and a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and growth. 

Access to modern, high-quality equipment and tools to empower you to succeed. 

Competitive compensation on salary and vacation, flexible working conditions, and other benefits.  

Learn more about us 

Watch the recording of our satellite launch from Auckland, NZ, on January 31, 2024 

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates 

Visit our media page 

Watch a video of our CEO's keynote presentations at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Montreal in November 2023: 

Recording from 19:17' to 28:08' 

Recording from 06:03' to 15:20' 

NorthStar is committed to creating and fostering a safe and inclusive work environment where our employees feel valued and heard. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from different backgrounds who can bring greater diversity to the way we think, including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.