Astrodynamics Analyst

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an Astrodynamics Analyst to join a team performing high fidelity modeling of advanced maneuvering and orbit determination for satellites in Earth orbits (LEO/MEO/GEO). You will work with top-level designers and planners, presenting findings to local government customers.

Salary range is $120,000–$200,000 with 401(k) match and employee stock plan. On-site core hours 10am–3pm, with flexible nine- or eight-day cycles every two weeks.

Qualifications

• Clearance TS/SCI with ability to obtain polygraph.
• Experience in satellite maneuver design and/or orbit determination modeling.
• Education in aerospace, applied math, physics, or related field.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate novel orbital maneuvering strategies and trajectories, including multi-satellite RPO and launch paths.
• Model and analyze orbit determination operations using data from space surveillance experts.
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments to inform decisions.
• Review and validate technical metrics, algorithm descriptions, and data products from external teams.
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable briefings and documentation for national decisions.

Skills

Clearance TS/SCI

Satellite maneuver design

Orbit determination modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking an Astrodynamics Analyst to join our team conducting high fidelity modeling of very advanced maneuvering and orbit determination strategies for satellites in Earth orbits including LEO, MEO, and GEO. You will work on maneuvering and/or orbit determination together with top‑level satellite designers and operations planners who will leverage your analyses to inform critical decisions for cutting‑edge systems. As part of an agile group including experts in sensing and AI you will collaboratively simulate integrated operations concepts at‑scale with support from our cloud computing and supercomputing specialists. Expect regular opportunities to meet with and present findings to local elite government customers.

• Develop and evaluate novel complex orbital maneuvering strategies using high‑level programming languages. Analyses will include large orbit changes as well as multi‑satellite Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) and launch trajectories.
• Model and analyze associated orbit determination operations using data from our space surveillance sensing experts
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments.
• Review and validate technical metrics, algorithm descriptions, and data products provided by external teams.
• Successfully drive critical national decisions by translating complex behaviors and findings into clear, actionable technical briefings and documentation.

Salary range: $120,000 – $200,000, based on qualifications listed below, plus company 401(k) match and discounted employee stock purchase plan.

Flexible schedule: On‑site core collaboration hours from 10 am to 3 pm, options to work nine or eight days out of every two weeks.

Employment reliability: Our team supports a fully funded prime contract with the government. Additionally, our astrodynamics analysts routinely support other prime contracts as necessary. As a large company with a major presence in Northern Virginia, SAIC offers a broad array of work opportunities for employees locally as well as nationally.

Growth and career progression: You will have access to mentoring by highly experienced experts in astrodynamics and many other fields. Managers will maintain open communications to ensure that you and the larger team both thrive.

Qualifications

• Clearance: TS/SCI held by IC organization with ability to obtain polygraph.
• Education degree: Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Education and minimum professional experience: Bachelor’s plus five years, Master’s plus three years, or PhD.
• Experience: Satellite maneuver design and/or orbit determination modeling.
• Modeling tools: Advanced, hands‑on proficiency using MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar tools.

Desired

• Clearance: TS/SCI with a polygraph clearance

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.