Junior Orbit Analyst

KBR Careers; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR's National Security Solutions team seeks a Junior Orbit Analyst to support orbital analysis and mission planning for space assets. This full-time, on-site role is based at a government facility in Springfield, Virginia, contingent on contract award.

You will perform routine orbital calculations, monitor satellite positions, generate reports, and assist in maneuver planning with senior analysts to ensure mission safety.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 1 year of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s with 2 years, or 4 years of experience with no degree.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics and basic astrodynamics; experience with orbital analysis tools (STK, GMAT, or equivalent).
• Ability to work in a mission-critical environment with rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine orbital calculations and trajectory analysis using established tools and methods.
• Monitor satellite positions and assess potential conjunctions or collision risks.
• Assist in generating maneuver plans and validating orbital adjustments under supervision.
• Maintain accurate logs and documentation of orbital data and analysis results.
• Support the development of reports and briefings for mission planning and operational decision-making.
• Coordinate with senior analysts and mission teams to ensure compliance with orbital safety standards.
• Participate in shift operations and provide real-time support during critical mission events.
• Contribute to process improvements and tool enhancements for orbital analysis workflows.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Programming/Scripting (Python, MATLAB)

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

STK

GMAT

Job description

Junior 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 a Junior Orbit Analyst that supports orbital analysis and mission planning activities for space-based assets. This role involves monitoring satellite trajectories, performing basic orbital calculations, and assisting in collision avoidance assessments. The analyst will maintain accurate data records, generate reports, and coordinate with senior analysts to ensure mission safety and compliance. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic operational environment are essential. This position provides an opportunity to develop expertise in orbital mechanics and contribute to the success of 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 routine orbital calculations and trajectory analysis using established tools and methods.
• Monitor satellite positions and assess potential conjunctions or collision risks.
• Assist in generating maneuver plans and validating orbital adjustments under supervision.
• Maintain accurate logs and documentation of orbital data and analysis results.
• Support the development of reports and briefings for mission planning and operational decision-making.
• Coordinate with senior analysts and mission teams to ensure compliance with orbital safety standards.
• Participate in shift operations and provide real-time support during critical mission events.
• Contribute to process improvements and tool enhancements for orbital analysis workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Master’s degree and 1 year of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise; OR Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise; OR No degree and 4 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise.
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with adjudicated polygraph.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics principles and basic astrodynamics concepts.
• Experience using orbital analysis software or tools (e.g., STK, GMAT, or equivalent).
• Ability to work in a mission-critical environment with rotating shifts as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting satellite operations or space mission planning.
• Knowledge of conjunction assessment and collision avoidance processes.
• Exposure to scripting or programming for automation of orbital analysis tasks (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

Basic Compensation

$101,700 - $124,300 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.

KBR - Delivering Solutions, Changing the World. KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People - We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. We Deliver - We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We Are People of Integrity - We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business. We Empower - We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed. We Are a Team of Teams - We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals. Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.