Orbit Operations Engineer

As an Orbit Operations Engineer at Reflect, you will be responsible for planning and executing spacecraft maneuvers, station-keeping, and orbital adjustments. Your role will involve monitoring real-time telemetry while identifying anomalies to ensure the health of the subsystem. You’ll also develop operational procedures and collaborate with GNC and software teams to refine orbit control algorithms, maximizing performance while reducing propellant usage.

To be a successful Orbit Operations Engineer at Reflect, you should have prior experience in satellite mission operations or flight dynamics. A solid understanding of orbital mechanics is crucial, along with proficiency in mission planning software like STK or GMAT. Strong communication skills and the ability to troubleshoot under time-sensitive conditions are also essential for the role.

At Reflect, the work culture for Orbit Operations Engineers is fast-paced and collaborative. You will have ownership of your tasks and opportunities to implement changes that directly impact the mission. We value diverse backgrounds and encourage team members to bring innovative ideas for improvement. Plus, with unlimited paid time off and team lunches, we focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

To apply for the Orbit Operations Engineer position at Reflect, visit our website where you can find the job listing and submit your application. We encourage candidates to showcase their best work and accomplishments to stand out. Even if you don't meet every qualification, we invite you to reach out as we are interested in unique talents and perspectives.

Orbit Operations Engineers at Reflect have numerous opportunities for growth. As you gain experience working on real-time spacecraft operations, you can take on more complex projects that involve cross-functional collaboration. Additionally, there are opportunities to contribute to innovation and strategy across various projects, enhancing not only your technical skills but also your leadership potential.

In planning a spacecraft maneuver, I first analyze the mission objectives and provide detailed Δv budgeting. I take into account any potential constraints and work with mission planning software to simulate the maneuver, ensuring the approach maintains safety margins while maximizing efficiency.

One challenging situation I faced involved an unexpected telemetry anomaly. I immediately led a cross-team meeting to analyze the data, identify the root cause, and develop a plan to address the issue while keeping the spacecraft operations on track. This experience taught me the importance of quick communication and collaborative troubleshooting.

I have experience with mission planning tools such as STK and GMAT, which I leverage for trajectory analysis and maneuver simulations. Additionally, I have developed custom in-house tools to facilitate specific operational needs, demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness in tooling.

To ensure clear communication, I adopt a proactive approach by creating detailed documentation and regular updates. I also encourage open dialogue during meetings, where all team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns, ensuring everyone is aligned towards our mission objectives.

Yes, analyzing post-mission data is a fundamental part of the role. I start by compiling telemetry data and performance metrics, then I compare these results against mission objectives to evaluate successes and areas for improvement. Finally, I compile my findings into a report that helps inform operational strategies for future missions.

The most crucial factor during an orbital adjustment is precision. This involves accurately calculating the required Δv and executing the maneuver while adjusting for any real-time telemetry feedback to maintain safety margins and meet mission objectives effectively.

I regularly read industry publications, participate in webinars, and attend conferences related to aerospace and orbital mechanics. Additionally, I collaborate with peers to share knowledge and insights on new techniques and methodologies that can improve our operations.

I have hands-on experience monitoring real-time telemetry for anomaly detection. Utilizing predictive analytics and algorithms, I can identify potential issues early, allowing our team to implement corrective actions swiftly and maintain the spacecraft's operational health.

In my previous roles, I coordinated ground station passes and data downlink schedules, ensuring that all operations were conducted smoothly. This required close collaboration with ground control teams to ensure timely communication of command uplinks and data retrieval.

When developing operational procedures, I start by analyzing previous mission experiences and gather input from various stakeholders. I ensure that the procedures are clear, concise, and incorporate best practices while also allowing for flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations that may arise during missions.