Orbit Operations Analyst

Saic; California (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Space Systems Engineer / Orbital Analyst to support the 18th Space Defense Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force, CA. You will handle space protection, orbital analysis, data analysis, and satellite conjunction assessment to enable SDA-based decisions.

The role requires expertise in orbital mechanics, ASW tools, and Linux, with coordination across USG agencies. Typical hours apply, with potential after-hours during non-routine ops.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI w/ Poly.
• Min 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Space Situational Awareness, satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment.

Responsibilities

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog for SDA.
• Provide operational support to space defense programs and analyses.
• Collaborate with space operations centers and acquisition offices.

Skills

Space Situational Awareness

Orbital analysis

Conjunction assessment

Linux

ASW software

Atlas

Orbit determination

Orbit prediction

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Linux (Red Hat)

ASW software

Atlas

MS Office

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking candidates for a Space Systems Engineer / Orbital Analyst who will directly support the 18th Space Defense Squadron and the U.S. Space Forces for Space field command located at Vandenberg Space Force, CA, Base in space protection, orbital analysis, data analysis, space defense, and satellite conjunction assessment. The engineer provides expertise in Space Domain Awareness (SDA), solving various operational orbital mechanics problems and processes data for orbit states and predictions. The position would be responsible for coordination and integration of relevant information and findings across multiple functional areas to develop and deliver products enabling customers’ situational awareness and decisions. While this position will accomplish most tasks Monday through Friday, normal day hours, due to the non-routine operations environment, work may be required outside those times.

Job Description:

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog required as part of the evolving SDA mission.
• Execute operational functions to include space flight safety, defensive space control, intelligence analysis, and operational, technical and engineering support to national security space programs.
• Review and prepare responses for applicable government policies, plans, procedures and technical documentation, as well as collaborate with other space operations centers and space acquisition offices.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Ability to interpret, draft, discuss, and implement US government-wide space policy with members from various USG agencies in a collaborative environment.
• Understanding of space object tracking sensors, networks, and data, including capabilities and limitations.
• Familiarity with Linux-based OS, Particularly Red Hat Linux.
• Familiarity with Space Force’s Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW) software, Atlas or similar tools.
• Ability to apply knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to operations, including orbit determination and maintenance, general and special perturbation-based data and formats, orbit decay, and orbital maneuvers for station keeping and change of station.
• Ability to apply orbital mechanics to real world problems. General understanding of methods of orbit determination and prediction, and use of orbital state data.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and be proficient in MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint).

Qualifications

Bachelor’s and over three (3) years of experience; or military experience working in an operational space unit.

Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI w/Poly.
• Min of 3 years of relevant experience
• Experience involving Space Situational Awareness, satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment. Real-time analysis and solutions to technical and operational problems are required for this position.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.