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Astrodynamics Lead (Founding Role)

Apolink· Operations
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Hybrid (Palo Alto)$150k - $190kFull-timePosted 4w ago

About the role

Lead the design and analysis of Apolink's first paired demonstration satellite mission and scale to a full LEO relay constellation. Responsibilities span constellation architecture, coverage and link budgeting, propulsion and Δv planning, and end-to-end orbital operations, working closely with bus, propulsion, RF, and optical teams.

Responsibilities

  • Design and own constellation architecture: plane count, altitude, inclination, LTAN, and intra- and inter-plane phasing, traded against coverage, launch cost, and ISL geometry
  • Run SLA-grade coverage analysis on link-closing access: handover continuity, window durations, gap statistics, and percent-time-covered for specific target orbits
  • Work with the RF team to close coverage and access analysis against real RF link budgets rather than geometric visibility alone
  • Model ISL relative geometry between constellation members and customer spacecraft, including range, angular constraints, and handover timing; iterate with RF and optical teams so orbit design and link design converge
  • Develop Δv and propellant budgets for drag makeup, station-keeping, collision avoidance, and end-of-life disposal; provide thruster and propellant sizing inputs
  • Build and maintain the orbit determination, ephemeris, and maneuver-planning pipeline; own conjunction screening and CDM response through Space-Track and commercial SSA providers
  • Provide orbital parameters and deorbit analysis for FCC and ITU filings

Qualifications

  • Direct, hands-on experience with LEO mission or constellation design: orbit selection, SSO design, and station-keeping for flown or flight-bound spacecraft
  • 4+ years in applied astrodynamics, mission design, or flight dynamics
  • BS/MS/PhD in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or physics, or equivalent demonstrated depth
  • Proficiency with at least one of GMAT, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, Orekit, Tudat, or Basilisk, and strong Python
  • Solid perturbation modeling: J2 and higher-order gravity, atmospheric drag (NRLMSISE-00, JB2008), and SRP
  • Capacity to exercise independent technical judgment as the orbital authority and be accountable for it

Skills

Required:AstrodynamicsLink Budget & RF Link AnalysisPropulsion & Δv budgeting

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Meaningful early-stage equity
  • Opportunity to own optical for a constellation end to end
  • Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), relocation assistance
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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About Apolink

24/7 satellite connectivity in low Earth orbit

Apolink is building the world’s most interoperable satellite relay network in low Earth orbit. Our hybrid communication architecture combines RF and optical inter-satellite links to enable real-time, continuous connectivity for satellite operators across industries.

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