Senior Flight Dynamics Software Engineer

Your mission

We are seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Software Engineer who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys working across disciplines—from coding and algorithm design to project leadership, customer interaction, and product strategy. You’ll help build and operate our Flight Dynamics System (FDS), integrate it with Mission Control (MCS), and collaborate with both commercial and institutional partners, including space agencies like ESA.

This is a high-impact role with broad ownership. You’ll contribute to technical delivery, customer success, and strategic initiatives, including proposals and projects for space sustainability, SSA/SST, and mission operations.

Your Tasks And Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of the Flight Dynamics System (FDS), including, among others: orbit determination, maneuver planning, and optimization for station-keeping and collision avoidance.
• Facilitate the integration of the FDS with the Mission Control System (MCS), ensuring seamless interoperability and mission-critical performance.
• Collaborate with satellite operators to capture operational requirements and translate them into system capabilities.
• Design and implement high-precision algorithms for orbit propagation, attitude dynamics, and trajectory optimization.
• Develop and maintain production-grade software, using modern software engineering practices (version control, CI/CD, testing).
• Conduct verification and validation (V&V) campaigns using real-world datasets and operational scenarios.
• Provide technical leadership to the team and contribute to the strategic roadmap of our mission operations platform.
• Support customer deployments and provide expert guidance during mission preparation and execution.

Your profile

Must-have:

• M.Sc. or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Space Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the development and/or operation of  Flight Dynamics, Mission Control, Space Traffic Management, Space Surveillance and Tracking, or space software.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, and spacecraft operations.
• Strong experience writing operational software in a compiled and high-level language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, Fortran, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and deliver high-quality software in a collaborative environment.
• Experience working directly with satellite operators or in operational satellite missions is mandatory.
• Based in Germany, with the ability to travel occasionally to our main offices in Braunschweig, Germany.
• Valid EU work authorization.
• Experience working with an international team, fully or partially remote.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with SSA/SST systems, sensor fusion, or catalog maintenance.
• Experience working with or for space agencies (e.g., ESA, DLR) or institutional missions.
• Familiarity with ground segment software, mission planning tools, and telemetry/telecommand workflows.
• Experience with microservices architecture, containerization (e.g., Docker), and cloud-based deployments.
• Knowledge of mission control systems, ground segment operations, or automated mission planning.

Why us?

• With a lean hierarchy and small working groups, you define your own way of work including flexible work hours.
• Work on groundbreaking space sustainability challenges with a team of top-tier engineers and scientists.
• Enjoy technical freedom. Influence system architecture, research methodologies, and data integration approaches.
• Grow continuously with access to training budgets, industry conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Be part of a strong engineering culture, with regular knowledge-sharing sessions, technical deep dives, and innovation sprints.
• Great team spirit, with company-wide events such as monthly all-hands lunches, and social activities like laser tag, dinners, and team-building outings.

About Us

OKAPI:Orbits is at the forefront of space sustainability, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the space industry: the growing problem of crowded orbital regimes, and the need for more efficient satellite operations. We're providing end-to-end solutions that help various space industry players cover their Space Situation Awareness (SSA), and Space Traffic Management and Coordination (STM & STC) needs. We are committed to safeguarding space missions and access to space for all humanity. Join us on our mission.

Last but not least, we would like to share with you that research shows that women are less likely to apply for a position unless they meet 100% of the listed requirements.

Please know that if it’s your case — but you are passionate about space technology, building reliable software, and contributing to a more sustainable space environment — we strongly encourage you to apply.

OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a highly diverse team, and we actively continue to strengthen this diversity which allows us to achieve higher performance and drive innovation.