Mission Planning Software Engineer - Satellite Constellations
GalaxEye Space
Job Description
GalaxEye is building next-generation multi-sensor Earth observation satellites by integrating SAR and multispectral imaging on a single platform. As a Mission Planning Software Engineer – Satellite Constellations, you will design and develop mission planning software used to simulate, plan, and operate GalaxEye’s satellite constellation.
You will work at the intersection of astrodynamics, optimization, and software engineering to build tools for orbit simulation, tasking, scheduling, and operational planning. This role is part of the Mission Design & Planning team and involves close collaboration with flight dynamics, payload, ground segment, and operations teams. The software you develop will be used directly by the Mission Control Center for real mission operations.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing and implementing mission planning algorithms for satellite tasking, scheduling, and resource allocation
Modeling orbital dynamics, sensor geometry, and operational constraints such as power, downlink, duty cycles, and ground station visibility
Developing Python-based tools for orbit and attitude propagation, access and coverage analysis, and pass prediction
Prototyping and benchmarking heuristic and optimization-based planning approaches under real-world constraints
Building modular, tested, and production-ready software that evolves from R&D prototypes
Integrating planning logic with ground segment and mission control systems
Running system-level trade studies for constellation design and CONOPS evaluation
Supporting on-orbit operations by refining tools using telemetry and operational feedback
Requirements
B.Tech/B.E./M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field such as Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science with strong astrodynamics exposure
Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, mission analysis, and satellite operations (LEO, ground tracks, coverage, pointing, power and downlink constraints)
Proficiency in Python for scientific computing (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
Hands-on experience with at least one mission design or orbit analysis tool/library (STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit, Poliastro, Basilisk, or equivalent)
Solid software engineering practices including Git-based workflows, clean modular code, and unit/integration testing
Working knowledge of numerical methods and optimization techniques (linear/nonlinear programming, discrete optimization, or heuristics)
Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions using plots, metrics, and concise documentation
Preferred / Nice to Have
Experience with mission planning, tasking, or scheduling for Earth observation satellites
Exposure to estimation and filtering techniques such as Kalman filters or batch least squares
Familiarity with Rust or C++ for performance-critical simulations
Experience deploying mission software used by operations teams
Prior work on SAR or multispectral imaging missions
Experience working in R&D environments transitioning tools to operational use
Benefits
Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards
High ownership role with direct impact on flight dynamics and mission operations
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge multi-sensor satellite constellations
Fast-paced, engineering-driven environment with strong learning opportunities
Flexible working hours and openness to new tools and ideas
Close collaboration with the founding team and senior technical leaders
Access to advisors and partners with deep expertise in space systems and mission operations
