Astrodynamics Engineer

Insight Global; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 203,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking an Astrodynamics Engineer to lead astrodynamics efforts on satellite programs. You will guide orbital mechanics, orbit design, and mission analysis while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across subsystems to ensure high-performance space missions.

The role requires a strong technical background in aerospace engineering and hands-on experience with orbital mechanics tools and programming languages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related technical discipline with at least 5 years in engineering.
• 3+ years' experience in orbital mechanics, orbit design, or astrodynamics.
• 3+ years' experience with orbit design and simulation tools (GMAT, STK, etc.) and scientific computing software (MATLAB, Python, Fortran, C++, etc.).
• Experience leading or mentoring peers on projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform astrodynamics and orbit analyses.
• Derive astrodynamics requirements to meet customer missions.
• Optimize spacecraft trajectories based on fuel, time, and performance.
• Define and develop tools and processes for mission operations and the team.
• Oversee Astrodynamics Engineering across programs and portfolios.
• Interface with subsystems, systems engineering, and program management to ensure system performance.
• Provide technical leadership to a team of engineers including task decomposition and delegation.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Orbit design

Astrodynamics

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Python

MATLAB

C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Related technical discipline

Tools

GMAT

STK

COTS mission planning tools

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

Job description

Compensation: Up to $225,000 (please note, salary is decided by the client and is based upon education, years of experience, and qualifications)

Job Description

One of our Aerospace clients is looking for an Astrodynamics Engineer who will step into the Astrodynamics team as a leader for astrodynamics efforts on satellite programs. The ideal candidate will be an expert in orbital mechanics, orbit determination, mission analysis, trajectory design, or constellation operations and will be capable of leading technical efforts while mentoring junior engineers.

Position Responsibilities:

• Perform astrodynamics and orbit analyses
• Determine and derive astrodynamics requirements to meet customer requirements and perform customer missions
• Optimize spacecraft trajectories based on fuel, time, and/or performance characteristics
• Define/develop tools and processes to be used by mission operations and the broader team
• Oversee Astrodynamics Engineering across a range of programs and portfolios
• Interface with other satellite subsystems as well as systems engineering and program management to ensure system-level performance
• Technical leadership of a team of engineers in support of a program, including decomposition and delegation of tasks

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related technical discipline and a minimum of 5 years of engineering industry experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience
• 3 or more years' experience in orbital mechanics, orbit design, or astrodynamics
• 3 or more years' experience with orbit design and simulation software tools (e.g. GMAT, STK, COTS mission planning tools, etc.) and scientific computing software (MATLAB, Python, Julia, Fortran, C++, etc.)
• Experience leading or guiding peers (e.g., project lead , guiding, or mentoring).

Nice to Have Skills & Experience NOT REQUIRED

• 9+ years industry experience in orbit analysis role(s)
• Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations or formation flight
• Specialization in advanced orbital mechanics topics (e.g., trajectory optimization, relative motion maneuvering, orbit determination techniques, etc.)
• Ability to architect novel methods, algorithms, and solutions for complex mission analyses
• Experience decomposing large/complex/nebulous tasks into clearly defined subsets of work that can be done personally or delegated to other members of the team
• Ability to set direction of program work and create processes and standards to support the group
• Development of industry leading knowledge, methods, and techniques within the realm of spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance