On-Orbit Test Astrodynamics Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. in Colorado Springs, CO, is seeking an On-Orbit Test Astrodynamics Engineer to drive mission planning, test execution, and analysis for high-stakes space missions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers, vendors, and SMEs to ensure realistic and achievable test plans and successful anomaly resolution on complex orbital systems. The position requires a STEM degree with extensive experience in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and RPO processes, plus active SCI

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM with 8+ years in a related field
• Active Top-Secret/SCI clearance required
• Experience in mission planning, orbital analysis, or RPO processes
• Familiarity with physics-based simulations and post-processing
• Knowledge of astrodynamics and orbital mechanics, incl. GEO
• Experience with navigation filters and image processing techniques

Responsibilities

• Drive and develop On-Orbit Test activities including mission planning, scenario development, dry-run/rehearsal and test execution
• Perform pre-test and execution actions including mission plan creation & review, safety of flight analysis, and vehicle phasing analysis
• Integrate with vendors, cognizant engineers, SMEs, orbital analysts, and systems engineers to ensure feasible test plans
• Conduct analysis on test feasibility considering limits, constraints, and fuel usage
• Lead on-console operations during On-Orbit Test activities as Test Director
• Lead testing using simulators and assist in resolving discrepancies

Skills

Mission planning

Orbital analysis

Astrodynamics

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

FreeFlyer

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM

Tools

FreeFlyer

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: No

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As an On-Orbit Test Astrodynamics Engineer located in Colorado Springs, CO, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

This position is 100% on site and does not support remote work.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Your mission, should you choose to accept:

• Drive and develop On-Orbit Test activities including mission planning, scenario development, dry-run/rehearsal and test execution.
• Perform pre-test and execution actions including mission plan creation & review, safety of flight analysis, and vehicle phasing analysis
• Integrate closely with vendors, cognizant engineers, subject matter experts, orbital analysists, and systems engineers to ensure overall test plan is realistic, achievable, and meets customer intent.
• Conduct analysis on test feasibility while considering limits, constraints, estimated fuel usage, vehicle capabilities – while also incorporating overall test community objectives
• Lead on-console operations during On-Orbit Test activities as Test Director
• Lead testing using simulators and assist in resolving any discrepancies

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other STEM related degree with 8 years of experience in a related engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace and/or operations; 6 years with a Master's; 4 years with a PhD
• Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application.
• Relevant experience with mission planning and/or orbital analyst responsibilities and/or processes focusing on RPO
• Familiarity with running physics-based simulations and post-processing results
• Experience in astrodynamics and orbital mechanics. Knowledge of fundamental numerical propagators and force models for earth-orbiting space vehicles, preferably for vehicles in geosynchronous orbit.
• Advanced understanding of relative motion problems and mission planning for RPO missions.
• Experience with navigation filters and image processing techniques algorithms
• Knowledge of satellite operations engineering disciplines to include attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Python and/or MATLAB. C or C++ would be preferred
• Have a comprehension of different astrodynamics coordinate frames such as ECI and RIC
• Background/fundamental understanding of performing statistical analysis
• Previous experience supporting mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities.
• Previous experience with troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and performing analysis on operational systems
• Familiarity using COTS astrodynamics analysis tools (FreeFlyer preferred)
• Familiarity with GNC algorithms for satellites

#COSpace

#SpaceSysEngJobs

#SpaceEngJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.