Intermediate Orbit Analyst

KBR, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking an Intermediate Orbit Analyst to provide advanced orbital analysis and mission planning for space-based assets. You will conduct trajectory assessments, perform conjunction analysis, and develop maneuver plans to mitigate collision risks, leading routine orbital calculations and validating maneuver execution during critical events.

The role is full-time on-site at a government facility in Springfield, VA, contingent on contract award.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree with years of experience in orbital analysis or related field.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph.
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics principles.
• Experience using advanced orbital analysis software (STK/GMAT/FreeFlyer) for trajectory and maneuver planning.
• Familiarity with conjunction assessment and collision avoidance protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed orbital calculations, trajectory analysis, and conjunction assessments using advanced tools and methods.
• Develop and validate maneuver plans to maintain orbital safety and mission objectives.
• Lead routine monitoring of satellite positions and provide recommendations for collision avoidance.
• Generate technical reports and briefings for mission planning and operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with mission teams and external partners to ensure compliance with orbital safety standards.
• Mentor junior orbit analysts and assist in training on orbital analysis tools and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of orbital analysis processes and automation scripts.
• Provide real-time support during critical mission events and anomaly resolution activities.
• Participate in 24/7 operational shifts as required to support mission continuity.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Astrodynamics

Conjunction assessment

Python

MATLAB

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

No degree with 10 years of experience

Tools

STK

GMAT

FreeFlyer

Job description

Title:

Intermediate Orbit Analyst

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award

KBR is seeking an Intermediate Orbit Analyst that provides advanced orbital analysis and mission planning support for space-based assets, ensuring safe and efficient operations. This role involves conducting detailed trajectory assessments, performing conjunction analysis, and developing maneuver strategies to mitigate collision risks. The analyst will lead routine orbital calculations, validate maneuver execution plans, and provide situational awareness during critical mission events. Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage complex orbital challenges under time-sensitive conditions are essential. This position offers the opportunity to influence mission planning and contribute to operational excellence in space operations.

This role is performed full-time on site at a government facility in Springfield, Virginia, and is contingent upon contract award

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed orbital calculations, trajectory analysis, and conjunction assessments using advanced tools and methods.
• Develop and validate maneuver plans to maintain orbital safety and mission objectives.
• Lead routine monitoring of satellite positions and provide recommendations for collision avoidance.
• Generate technical reports and briefings for mission planning and operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with mission teams and external partners to ensure compliance with orbital safety standards.
• Mentor junior orbit analysts and assist in training on orbital analysis tools and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of orbital analysis processes and automation scripts.
• Provide real-time support during critical mission events and anomaly resolution activities.
• Participate in 24/7 operational shifts as required to support mission continuity.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
  • Master’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise; OR
  • Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise; OR
  • No degree and 10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise.
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with adjudicated polygraph
• Proficiency in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics principles.
• Experience using advanced orbital analysis software (e.g., STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer) for trajectory and maneuver planning.
• Familiarity with conjunction assessment and collision avoidance protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting operational satellite missions or spaceflight programs.
• Advanced knowledge of scripting or programming for automation of orbital analysis tasks (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Exposure to international standards for space traffic management and orbital safety compliance

Basic Compensation:

$125,500 - $153,400

This range is for the Virginia area only

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.