# Astrodynamics Lead (Founding Role) at Apolink

- Company: Apolink
- What the company does: Apolink Communications, a California-based satellite company, is building a 24/7 relay network in LEO. Our hybrid RF and optical links enable real-time connectivity for operators across industries. Backed by Y Combinator.
- Company website: https://apolink.space
- Type: Startups
- Level: Senior
- Location: Palo Alto
- Work setup: On-site
- Pay: $150K to $190K base salary per year (USD)
- Posted: 2026-09-19
- Apply by: 2026-11-03
- Apply: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/apolink/f8e1eebc-863d-41a7-b9d9-bd4d0fbd9281
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/apolink-astrodynamics-lead-founding-role/

## About the role

In this role, you'll design the constellation, verify RAAN and phasing, and run the coverage analysis that shows which architectures meet customer SLAs. You'll also build the propulsion and Δv budgets for deployment, station-keeping, collision avoidance, and de-orbit. This starts with our upcoming paired demonstration satellite mission and scales to the full LEO relay constellation.

## What they're looking for

- 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

Tags: Engineering