Solenix is a privately owned and international company providing engineering and consulting services in the space market, with branches in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
We are known for high-quality services, user-oriented solutions, reliable partnerships and constructive collaboration. Our customers include space agencies such as ESA, EUMETSAT and DLR, as well as large private sector companies.
Solenix is specialized in distributed systems and client applications and applies modern technologies with a focus on high-performing, robust and light solutions.
Why should you apply?
Solenix is a group of motivated, dynamic and creative people who enjoy high-quality work, as well as a relaxed and flexible work atmosphere.
You can expect a friendly working environment, exciting and challenging projects and varied team events.
Solenix focuses on solution-oriented and innovative approaches.
You can look forward to benefits like: hybrid-work concepts, training opportunities, unique community spirit, company events, social clubs, retirement, and health insurance plans. If you want to know more then go to: www.solenix.ch/career.
We are looking for a Mission Design Engineer joining the Mission Analysis team for our client, ESOC. This position has a strong focus on the mission design of interplanetary missions and on the support of Human Robotic Exploration (HRE) Missions, including:
Argonaut Lunar Lander
ArgoNET (first mission utilising the Argonaut Lunar Lander)
ECSM (European Charging Station on the Moon)
Inspirator (Human Spaceflight)
Small lunar mission studies
Hence, this position requires good knowledge of navigation and guidance for mission analysis, trajectory optimisation and lunar transfer orbits as well as launcher ascent and lander descent optimisation. You will further support the Mission Analysis Software Development team by implementing software tools for Flight Dynamics operations engineering services. You will also take part on concurrent design studies for future space missions, providing technical support to project, scientists and industry and participate in reviews.
For this position you will demonstrate your strengths in:
Problem solving related to geometry in the Euclidean 3–dimensional space.
Applying numerical methods for equations solving, integration of differential equations, function approximation and interpolation.
Spaceflight mechanics, by solving issues related to: kinematics and dynamics of point masses, dynamics of rigid bodies, dynamics expressed in non-inertial reference frames, conservation laws in mechanics.
Unperturbed and perturbed orbit dynamics, Keplerian orbits and Kepler laws, Non-Keplerian orbits as e.g. Libration Point orbit dynamics.
Gravitational forces and field, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric and other environmental models and the ability to use and implement these.
Initial guess generation for low-and high thrust trajectories
Gravity-assist techniques and interplanetary trajectory optimisation Orbit Determination and Spacecraft Navigation
Attitude Dynamics to combine and assess scientific observation requirements with spacecraft and ground segment constraints
Ability to solve mechanics problems via analytical mechanics methods (e.g. Lagrangian formulation).
Flight Dynamics infrastructure software and Mission Analysis tools development, environmental models, analytical, semi-analytical and numerical integration techniques, local and global optimisation techniques and algorithms, covariance and Monte-Carlo analysis in C++, Python, modern software development tools like Git, CI/CD, CMake and parallel computation techniques as OpenMP and CUDA.
Lunar Surface Analysis and DTM generation.
Technical support to project, scientists and industry, participation in reviews.
Fluency in English, both in speech and writing
Other desirable qualifications and experience:
University degree in a relevant engineering field, astronomy, mathematics or physics.
Skills to apply knowledge to develop solutions to technical (mathematical and dynamical) problems in cooperation with customers and other experts
Familiarity with and experience in mission analysis or Flight Dynamics operations engineering related tasks.
Experience in development of numerical software in C++ and Python for navigation or spacecraft navigation related disciplines.
Familiarity with modern software development tools (GitLab, DevOps, Docker).
Ability to define, implement, validate and operate software which applies the above solutions (using e.g. Unix and/or Linux scripting languages, Python, C++).
Coordinate and interact with other service providers in operations and other fields.
Work Location:
Darmstadt, Germany
Work Permit
Applicants must be EU citizens. Security, identity and reference checks on the candidates are part of the recruitment process.
Application Deadline: 18 April 2025
Start of Work: ASAP
Please note that we welcome interest from candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Additionally, studies have shown that people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you're excited about this role and believe you can make a meaningful impact, please apply and allow our recruiters to assess your application.
Grow with us and become part of Solenix. We look forward to welcoming you. Make the change and apply now!
Important Notes
Before applying to this position, please read the page How to Apply.
Applicants must be EU citizens or have a valid work and residence permit for the above-mentioned work location.
Security, identity and reference checks on the candidates are part of the recruitment process.
Job Application
Please send your applications electronically to career@solenix.ch before the application deadline 18 April 2025.