Astrodynamics Engineer

Waypoint Human Capital; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Waypoint Human Capital seeks an Astrodynamics Engineer for full-time, on-site work in Chantilly, VA. The role supports government satellite programs across Earth orbits, with opportunities in orbit-change strategies, RPO, and SDA-informed orbit determination.

You will collaborate with experts in astrodynamics, propulsion, and HPC and contribute to technical briefings. Qualifications include a STEM degree (Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics) and programming skills in Python or C++.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming for analysis tools.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics and trajectory analysis.
• Experience with large-scale modeling and HPC is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work with modeling and simulation to analyze government satellite programs in Earth orbits.
• Explore orbit-change strategies, RPO, and SDA-based orbit determination.
• Collaborate with astrodynamics, propulsion, launch trajectories, sensing, and HPC experts.
• Present findings to government customers as needed.
• Develop tools using Python, C++, and related languages.
• Conduct trade studies and assess algorithms from external teams.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings.
• On-site collaboration hours from 10 am to 3 pm.
• Support a fully-funded prime government contract.
• Mentoring from senior experts and potential leadership opportunities.

Skills

Python

C++

Orbit Analysis

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Applied Math

Physics

Job description

Position Title

Astrodynamics Engineer

Position Type

Full-time, On-site

Location

Chantilly, VA

Clearance

Active TS/SCI w/CI Poly

Waypoints client is seeking an Astrodynamics Engineer. Those qualified will possess the following:

Job Functions

• Work with our modeling and simulation team to conduct a wide variety of analyses in support of government satellite programs in all types of Earth orbits
• Depending on their interests and skills the applicant may work on one or more of:
  • Strategies for significant orbit changes
  • Multi-satellite Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
  • Leverage Space Domain Awareness (SDA) sensor data to perform Orbit Determination on maneuvering satellites
• Work with experts in astrodynamics, propulsion systems, launch trajectories, sensing, and High Performance Computing (HPC)
• Opportunities to meet with and optionally present findings to local senior government customers
• Use programming languages such as Python, C++, or others to leverage existing analysis tools and develop new ones
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments
• Review and validate algorithms and results provided by external teams
• Develop and optionally present technical briefings
• On-site core collaboration hours from 10 am to 3 pm
• Support a fully-funded prime contract with the government
• Mentoring by highly experienced experts in astrodynamics, sensing, AI, HPC and other fields
• Senior staff will have opportunities to serve as principals and team leaders
• SAIC managers will maintain open communications to ensure that you thrive

Education degree

Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or a related technical field