Flight Dynamics Operations Lead - RPOD Missions (LEO & GEO)

Flight Dynamics Operations Lead - RPOD Missions (LEO & GEO)

Infinite Orbits

Toulouse, France

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Flight Dynamics Operations Lead to oversee Flight Dynamics activities for advanced Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) missions in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

The role is responsible for leading operational flight dynamics strategy, maneuver planning, navigation performance, mission safety, and real-time support for complex spacecraft operations including rendezvous, formation flying, inspection, docking, servicing, and relocation missions.

This position combines technical leadership with hands-on operational execution in a fast-paced space environment where centimeters and milliseconds occasionally carry the emotional weight of opera.

Job Description

• Lead Flight Dynamics operations for LEO and GEO spacecraft missions including orbit determination, maneuver planning, station keeping, orbit transfers, phasing, and RPOD activities.
• Define and supervise rendezvous and proximity operations strategies, approach trajectories, keep-out zones, collision avoidance constraints, and docking safety rules.
• Coordinate critical mission operations including real-time maneuver execution, proximity operations, docking windows, contingency operations, and anomaly response.
• Develop and validate operational products such as maneuver plans, covariance analyses, navigation budgets, operational timelines, and mission constraints.
• Oversee conjunction assessment and collision risk analysis for operational spacecraft and servicing missions.
• Interface with GNC, Mission Operations, Systems Engineering, ADCS, Ground Segment, and spacecraft manufacturers to ensure coherent mission execution.
• Lead mission preparation activities including operational simulations, rehearsals, Monte Carlo campaigns, and mission readiness reviews.
• Support development and improvement of autonomous navigation concepts, operational flight dynamics tools, and RPOD operational procedures.
• Mentor and coordinate Flight Dynamics engineers and operators across mission phases and operational campaigns.
• Contribute to mission architecture trades and operational concepts for future in-orbit servicing and logistics missions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Space Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in operational Flight Dynamics for LEO and/or GEO spacecraft missions.
• Strong expertise in orbital mechanics, orbit determination, maneuver optimization, covariance analysis, and spacecraft navigation.
• Background experience supporting RPOD, formation flying, servicing, docking, or proximity operations missions.
• Experience with Flight Dynamics and mission analysis tools such as GMAT, STK, Orekit, FreeFlyer, MONTE, or equivalent.
• Strong scripting and automation experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with spacecraft operational constraints, CCSDS standards, and mission safety processes.
• Experience supporting critical mission operations in a control center environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous RPOD systems and optical navigation.
• Knowledge of electric propulsion mission operations.
• Experience with SSA/SST systems and conjunction assessment workflows.
• Familiarity with ESA, CNES, commercial servicing missions, or in-orbit logistics programs.
• Experience leading operational teams or multi-mission flight dynamics activities.

Personal Skills

• Strong technical leadership and decision-making capability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams during critical mission phases.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.