GNC & Astrodynamics Engineer (Constellation) - Mission Operations
About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world’s only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial D2D system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.
Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.
By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.
Job Summary:
The GNC & Astrodynamics Engineer at Lynk is a pivotal role responsible for defining, developing and implementing orbital dynamics strategies and tools for a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. You will build the automated 'autopilot' for a growing constellation of satellites to ensure proper stationkeeping and avoid debris without human intervention. You will serve as the subject matter expert in this domain including development of collision avoidance tools, practices and strategies. As part of the larger MIssion Operations team the GNC & Astrodynamics Engineer will have the opportunity to support constellation level system analyses as well as contribute to the design and analysis process for next generation Lynk satellites.
This is a technical leadership role with you as the subject matter expert (SME) who will architect our orbital strategy, not necessarily manage a large team on day one. This role is expected to evolve into the technical owner of constellation flight dynamics and automation as Lynk scales. Over time, this may grow into a principal or team-lead role as additional engineers are added.
We are looking for an Astrodynamics expert who is tired of running legacy STK scripts and wants to build a modern, automated, and scalable orbital dynamics suite from the ground up. Unlike traditional programs, this role directly shapes live operational behavior for satellites already in orbit, with feedback loops measured in days, not years.
Who Thrives in This Role:
Engineers who like being close to real operational decisions
Builders who prefer owning systems end-to-end over maintaining legacy tools
People comfortable with ambiguity and shaping the problem, not just solving a spec
Engineers who care about correctness, but also understand operational tradeoffs
Core Responsibilities:
Automated Tool Development:
Drive the development and enhancement of software tools for orbital dynamics analysis, incorporating advanced algorithms and automation to streamline decision-making
Build and implement automation pipelines for Collision Avoidance (COLA) to reduce turnaround time and allow the system to scale across a growing constellation.
Incorporate automation and scalability into all maneuver planning to support growth from a few satellites to hundreds.
Orbital Strategy & Maneuver Architecture:
Lead the planning and execution of satellite maneuvers (altitude adjustments, phasing, and deployment) to optimize orbital parameters.
Develop maneuver strategies that maximize operational efficiency, extend satellite lifetime, and maintain desired constellation geometries.
Lead planning and execution of safe deorbit or disposal maneuvers in compliance with international debris mitigation guidelines.
Constellation Performance Analysis:
Perform detailed analysis of constellation configurations to optimize system performance and meet mission objectives.
Implement algorithms and tools for constellation planning, including orbit determination and design optimization.
Conduct long-term sustainment analyses, including fuel budgeting and end-of-life (EOL) strategy planning.
Mission Operations Support:
Review satellite telemetry related to flight dynamics and attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) to assess satellite health and performance.
Analyze telemetry to identify deviations from expected behavior and recommend corrective actions or calibration updates to optimize performance.
Lead all flight dynamics efforts during launch and early operations (LEOP) phases, collaborating with cross-functional teams for successful deployment.
During your first 12 Months:
This role is not expected to solve every orbital dynamics problem on day one. We expect you to build the foundation first, then progressively take on operational leadership as the system matures.
Initial focus is on automation, tooling, and decision-support, not 24/7 operational ownership.
You will work closely with Mission Operations, Flight Software, and Systems Engineering teams; this is not a siloed role.
Operational execution is shared with Flight Controllers; your focus is on decision logic, tooling, and architecture.
External SSA data providers, tools, and partnerships are already in place; you are not starting from zero.
Participate in make/buy trades for relevant orbital dynamics software to meet mission requirements and operational needs.
Lead flight dynamics efforts during launch and early operations phases of the satellite fleet, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to support successful satellite deployment and initial operations.
Develop comprehensive flight dynamics system maintenance guides, user manuals, and training plans to ensure effective utilization of tools and processes.
Examples of problems you will work on:
Turning conjunction data into automated, repeatable maneuver recommendations
Replacing manual, commercial-software-driven workflows with fit-for-purpose, automated pipelines
Designing decision thresholds that balance collision risk, fuel usage, and operational cadence
Designing constellation deployment and stationkeeping strategies that scale with fleet growth
Example Qualifications:
Demonstrated proficiency in orbital mechanics principles, satellite dynamics, and control theory, with a strong foundation in academic or professional experience
Strong analytical, conceptual, and troubleshooting abilities to address complex orbital dynamics challenges and optimize satellite performance.
Experience with collision avoidance, conjunction assessment, or closely related safety-critical decision systems (or the ability to ramp quickly into this domain).
Knowledge of Space Situational Awareness principles, including tracking and cataloging space objects, assessing space debris environments, and interpreting Conjunction Data Messages.
Proficiency in numerical methods and algorithms or propagator development relevant to orbital dynamics, such as numerical integration techniques for solving differential equations governing spacecraft motion, and algorithms for orbit optimization and trajectory design.
Comfort and proficiency in software tool development, with experience in designing, implementing, and refining tools for orbital dynamics analysis and operations.
Comfort with using programming languages and tools to solve engineering problems, such as Python, MATLAB, Orekit, and STK.
Job Location:
Washington, DC area.