Orbital Analyst - Space Domain Awareness

Saic; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an Orbital Analyst - Space Domain Awareness to support the 18th Space Defense Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. The role focuses on operational SDA, including orbital analysis, catalog maintenance, and conjunction assessment, with occasional after-hours support as needed.

Responsibilities include engineering space-domain products and briefings, reviewing government policies, and collaborating across space operations centers to maintain accurate situational awareness

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM field; 3+ years of relevant experience, or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience supporting Space Situational Awareness / Space Domain Awareness missions such as satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics/astrodynamics, orbit determination and prediction, and orbital state data.
• Ability to apply orbital mechanics to operations including orbit determination, prediction, decay, and maneuver evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog, including satellite conjunction assessment and catalog maintenance.
• Perform orbital analysis and apply orbital mechanics to operational problems (orbit determination, prediction, decay, maneuvers).
• Provide operational support for space defense missions including spaceflight safety and defensive space control.
• Analyze tracking data to develop SDA products and briefings for decision-makers.
• Interpret applicable policies and apply to SDA operations; collaborate with other space operations centers to ensure an accurate space picture.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Astrodynamics

Conjunction assessment

Real-time analysis

Operational problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering or Mathematics

Tools

ASW (Astrodynamics Support Workstation)

Atlas

Red Hat Linux

MS Office

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking an Orbital Analyst - Space Domain Awareness to directly support the 18th Space Defense Squadron and U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. This position focuses on operational Space Domain Awareness (SDA), including orbital analysis, satellite catalog mission protection, conjunction assessment, and space defense operations. The analyst will develop and deliver mission products that enhance situational awareness and support timely decision-making for national security space operations. While most work is performed Monday through Friday during normal duty hours, occasional work outside these hours may be required in support of non-routine operations or mission events.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog, including satellite conjunction assessment, spaceflight safety analysis, and catalog maintenance in support of the SDA mission.
• Perform orbital analysis and apply orbital mechanics to real-world operational problems, including orbit determination, prediction, decay assessment, and evaluation of orbital maneuvers for station-keeping and changes of station.
• Conduct operational support to space defense missions, including spaceflight safety, defensive space control, and technical analysis for national security space programs.
• Analyze, interpret, and integrate data from space object tracking sensors, networks, and associated systems to develop and deliver SDA products and briefings that inform operator and leadership decisions.
• Review and interpret applicable government policies, plans, procedures, and technical documentation, and apply them to daily SDA operations.
• Collaborate with other space operations centers, intelligence organizations, and space acquisition offices to coordinate information and ensure a shared, accurate picture of the space domain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering, Mathematics, or a closely related STEM field and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; OR 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Experience supporting Space Situational Awareness / Space Domain Awareness missions, such as satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, including a general understanding of methods of orbit determination and prediction and the use of orbital state data.
• Ability to apply orbital mechanics to operations, including:
  • Orbit determination and maintenance
  • Orbit prediction and decay
  • General and special perturbation-based data and formats
  • Orbital maneuvers for station keeping and changes of station
• Understanding of space object tracking sensors, networks, and data, including their capabilities and limitations.
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems, particularly Red Hat Linux, and ability to operate SDA tools in that environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide real-time analysis and solutions to technical and operational problems in a dynamic operations environment.

Clearance Requirements

• Active TS/SCI with current Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience supporting the 18th Space Defense Squadron or other operational space units conducting SDA/SSA and conjunction assessment.
• Experience using Space Force's Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), Atlas, or similar astrodynamics/orbital analysis tools in an operational setting.
• Experience working in a space operations center or watch-floor environment providing real-time support to operations.
• Experience reviewing and preparing responses to government policies, plans, procedures, and technical documentation as they relate to space operations.
• Ability to interpret, discuss, and implement U.S. government-wide space policy in a collaborative, multi-agency environment.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in an office and/or operations center environment at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer and standard office equipment.
• May be required to work outside normal duty hours on occasion to support non-routine operations or mission events.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.