Space Situational Awareness Internship / Master Thesis (m/w/d)

Your mission

Join us in shaping the future of safe and sustainable space operations. At OKAPI Orbits, we develop innovative technologies and data-driven solutions to protect the space environment and empower decision-makers across the space industry. Whether you're building intelligent software, analyzing orbital dynamics, or designing user-friendly tools, your work will contribute to minimizing risks, enhancing operational safety, and enabling responsible space exploration for generations to come.

Please note that the internship needs to be part of your university curriculum.

Your tasks and responsibilities

We have a variety of topics in which you can contribute. Some of them are:

• Orbit determination
• Covariance realism
• Atmospheric modelling
• Conjunction risk assessment
• Maneuver optimization
• Maneuver detection and pattern extraction
• Space debris environment modelling

The content described serves as a guideline. Tasks and focus areas may be adjusted depending on availability and current projects.

Your profile

Must haves:  

• Possibility to relocate to Brunswick from within the EEA with a valid working permit
• Enrolled student (BSc or MSc) in a study program related to Space Engineering
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics
• Exceptional academic track record
• Independent working style 
• English intermediate (at least B2)

Nice to have:  

• Proven analytical thinking through past research projects 
• Programming experience in Fortran,Python and/or Java

Why us?

• With a lean hierarchy and small working groups, you define your own way of work including flexible work hours.
• Work on groundbreaking space sustainability challenges with a team of top-tier engineers and scientists.
• After your on-boarding time in Braunschweig, you can choose between staying in our office, working remote (within Germany) or a hybrid approach.
• Enjoy technical freedom. Influence system architecture, research methodologies, and data integration approaches.
• Grow continuously with access to training budgets, industry conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Be part of a strong engineering culture, with regular knowledge-sharing sessions, technical deep dives, and innovation sprints.
• Great team spirit, with company-wide events such as monthly all-hands lunches, and social activities like laser tag, dinners, and team-building outings.

About us

OKAPI:Orbits is at the forefront of space sustainability, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the space industry: the growing problem of crowded orbital regimes, and the need for more efficient satellite operations. We're providing end-to-end solutions that help various space industry players cover their Space Situation Awareness (SSA), and Space Traffic Management and Coordination (STM & STC) needs. We are committed to safeguarding space missions and access to space for all humanity. Join us on our mission.

Last but not least, we would like to share with you that research shows that women are less likely to apply for a position unless they meet 100% of the listed requirements.
Please know that if it’s your case — but you are passionate about space technology, building reliable software, and contributing to a more sustainable space environment — we strongly encourage you to apply.
OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a highly diverse team, and we actively continue to strengthen this diversity which allows us to achieve higher performance and drive innovation.