Astrodynamics Engineer, Principal

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks Astrodynamics Engineers in Chantilly, VA to tackle complex satellite modeling and simulation tasks. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team on mission-critical analyses, applying astrodynamics and orbit determination skills, using Python or C++.

On-site collaboration with propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML and HPC experts is expected. Experience in orbit maneuvers, Rendezvous/Proximity Operations, and HPC is valued.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related field with relevant experience.
• Experience solving modeling and simulation challenges in aerospace domains.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ for analysis and development.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent trade studies and technical assessments.
• Evaluate results from external teams and present actionable insights.
• Contribute to mission-critical satellite analyses and optimization efforts.

Skills

Python

C++

Astrodynamics

Orbit Determination

Team Collaboration

Education

Aerospace Engineering - Bachelors + experience

Aerospace Engineering - Masters + experience

Aerospace/Physics/Math related PhD

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job ID 2616995

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-09-18

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Modeling/Sim Engr

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

Join a mission-driven analysis team supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. Our team is driving development of novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities. Operating within a supportive Government environment, we benefit from frequent direct access to senior Government decision-makers.

SAIC is seeking Astrodynamics Engineers to skillfully solve complex modeling and simulation challenges to deliver critical analyses. Our multi-discipline team collaborates to deliver comprehensive actionable insights to our customers. Success requires expertise in astrodynamics and/or orbit determination, as well as the ability to use programming languages such as Python or C++.

At SAIC’s location in Chantilly, Virginia, our Astrodynamics Engineers work side-by-side with experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, GPUs and more. Astrodynamics Engineers with experience including orbit maneuver design, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and High Performance Computing, will be especially well-prepared to excel. The team’s responsibilities include

• Independent trade studies and technical assessments
• Evaluating results provided by external teams
• Identifying new concepts
• Presenting actionable technical briefings to customers
• Additionally, our astrodynamics analysts may routinely support other prime contracts as necessary

Qualifications

Education

In the field(s) of Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or a related technical area - Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.

Responsibilities

• Ability to program in Python or C++, or to very quickly learn by transferring skills from a different language
• Must be able to collaborate well with other engineers in a mutually supportive environment
• Must be able to refine analyses if necessary in response to formal internal and external peer reviews

Clearance

• TS/SCI, should have current or be able to pass polygraph test

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