Senior Data Scientist (Space Situational Awareness)

TL;DR

Senior Data Scientist (Space Situational Awareness): Develop advanced collision avoidance algorithms and enhance space situational awareness tools for satellite operators with an accent on astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and sensor data integration. Focus on designing high-precision orbit propagation and sensor fusion algorithms, validating performance, and transitioning prototypes into scalable production solutions.

Location: Must be based in Germany or willing to relocate with a valid work permit for Germany/EU. Flexible work options include onsite in Munich, remote within Germany, or hybrid after onboarding.

Company

hirify.global is a startup focused on safeguarding space sustainability through advanced space situational awareness technologies.

What you will do

• Collaborate with aerospace engineers, data scientists, and software developers to integrate third-party sensor data into the SSA platform.
• Develop and optimize algorithms for orbit propagation, orbit determination, sensor fusion, and uncertainty quantification.
• Fuse diverse data sources into a unified space debris environment model.
• Conduct validation and verification campaigns to benchmark algorithm performance.
• Work with software engineers to transition prototypes into scalable production-ready solutions.

Requirements

• Must be based in Germany or willing to relocate with a valid work permit for Germany/EU.
• M.Sc. or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Space Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience (3 years considered for outstanding profiles).
• Strong knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and flight dynamics.
• Experience in scientific programming with Java, Fortran (90+), or Python.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, research-driven environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with space surveillance and tracking (SST) systems and sensor tasking.
• Work experience with space agencies or private space companies in SSA/SST.
• Familiarity with space policy and compliance frameworks.
• Experience with AI/ML applications for anomaly detection or orbit prediction in SSA.
• Interest in space sustainability and long-term spaceflight operations.

Culture & Benefits

• Lean hierarchy and flexible work hours.
• Work on groundbreaking space sustainability challenges with top-tier engineers and scientists.
• Flexible work options after onboarding: onsite in Braunschweig, remote within Germany, or hybrid.
• Technical freedom to influence system architecture and research methodologies.
• Continuous growth with training budgets, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Strong engineering culture with knowledge-sharing sessions and innovation sprints.
• Great team spirit with company-wide events and social activities.