Mission Analysis & Flight Dynamics Engineer

Mission Analysis & Flight Dynamics Engineer

Leaf Space

Lomazzo, Italy

JOB OVERVIEW

Leaf Space is developing a satellite-based mesh network and needs a Mission Analysis & Flight Dynamics Engineer to convert orbital geometry into operational insight. You'll model how our spacecraft see each other and the ground, quantify network performance throughout the constellation lifecycle, and use that analysis to guide design, deployment, and operations decisions. This hands-on analytical role directly impacts how the network is architected and flown.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground visibilities, contact windows, and link geometries across the constellation.
• Support mission analysis and flight dynamics activities for the Leaf Line service.
• Model orbit geometries and dynamics - relative motion, phasing, coverage, revisit, and constellation deployment/maintenance strategies.
• Assess mesh network topology and connectivity over time: routing feasibility, latency, capacity, and resilience as the geometry evolves.
• Analyze ground station network capacity needs and system performance simulations.
• Build and maintain simulation and analysis tools; automate recurring studies and produce clear, decision-ready results. Support engineering trade-off studies by providing quantitative mission analysis.
• Work closely with systems engineering, flight dynamics, and operations to translate mission requirements into analysis and back into design trade-offs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND STUDIES

• Degree in aerospace engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Roughly 3-5 years of relevant experience in mission analysis, flight dynamics, or space systems.

REQUIREMENTS

Tech skills

• Solid grounding in orbital mechanics: reference frames, propagation, constellation design, and access/visibility analysis.
• Programming for analysis and automation - Python strongly preferred (NumPy, and libraries such as Astropy, Skyfield, poliastro or equivalent).
• Experience with mission analysis tools (e.g., GMAT, STK/Ansys, FreeFlyer, or similar).
• Ability to communicate analysis clearly to engineers and decision-makers.
• Familiarity with satellite communications, link budgets, or network/routing concepts.
• Exposure to operational flight dynamics or ground segment.

Soft skills

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, suppliers and management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex analyses clearly.
• Rigorous, detail-oriented approach, with a preference for measured/verified data over assumptions, and transparency when prior estimates need correction.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, still-maturing product environment, iterating on both architecture and hands-on implementation.
• Fluent English (written and spoken) required, given interaction with external international partners.