Aerospace Engineer

Waypoint Human Capital; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Waypoint's client is seeking a highly motivated Aerospace Engineer to join a team supporting a critical government program in Chantilly, VA. You will develop physics-based models of spacecraft, perform end-to-end performance analysis, and apply sensor phenomenology to space systems.

This on-site role requires a BS or MS in aerospace/related, 3+ years of modeling experience, and active TS/SCI w/Poly clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for aerospace or space systems.
• Active Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Clearance.
• Strong understanding of sensor phenomenology—optical, infrared, or radar systems—and associated modeling methods.
• Intermediate Python programming experience with data manipulation, automation, and Python-based solutions; familiarity with NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and matplotlib.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written and verbal formats.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain physics-based simulation models of spacecraft systems, including structures, sensors, and mission environments.
• Perform end-to-end performance modeling for satellite missions, integrating sensor, orbital, and environmental models.
• Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection, tracking, and signature analysis.
• Perform orbital mechanics modeling including orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics.
• Use scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate workflows, perform data analysis, and interface between simulation tools.

Skills

Python programming

Data manipulation

Automation

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

NumPy

SciPy

pandas

matplotlib

MATLAB

AWS

Azure

Job description

Position Title: Aerospace Engineer

Position Type: Full-time (ON-SITE)

Position Location: Chantilly, VA

Clearance Required: TS/SCI w/CI Poly

Waypoint's client is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Aerospace Engineer to join their team supporting a critical government client. This position offers the opportunity to support RDT&E for cutting-edge projects supporting space-based systems.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain physics-based simulation models of spacecraft systems, including structures, sensors, and mission environments.
• Perform end-to-end performance modeling for satellite missions, integrating sensor, orbital, and environmental models.
• Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection, tracking, and signature analysis.
• Perform orbital mechanics modeling including orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics
• Use scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate workflows, perform data analysis, and interface between simulation tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for aerospace or space systems.
• Active Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Clearance
• Strong understanding of sensor phenomenology—such as optical, infrared, or radar systems—and associated modeling methods.
• Intermediate Python programming experience, demonstrated through hands‑on experience with tasks such as data manipulation, automation, and development of Python‑based solutions. Experience with libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and matplotlib is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly in both written and verbal formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a STEM related field.
• 6+ years of related experience.
• Experience with other simulation tools and programming languages.
• Experience with non‑cooperative target tracking.
• Experience with collection & revisit modeling.
• Knowledge of cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).