Orbital Modeling & Simulation Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks an Orbital Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support the Air Force, Space and Intel Business Group in Chantilly, VA. You will advance space mission concepts through physics-based modeling, orbit dynamics analysis, and software tool development.

You will design models and algorithms, develop analytics tools, and integrate space-based models into broader simulation frameworks, communicating results to stakeholders and supporting potential acquisitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or 4+ years of experience in lieu
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant space/ orbit dynamics experience
• Proficiency with orbit analysis tools such as STK or FreeFlyer
• Hands-on experience developing algorithms for data processing and modeling & simulation (Java, Python, or C++)
• Understanding of optimization and numerical methods for space systems
• Ability to distill complex problems into structured analyses and tasks
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis of mission data for space domain missions to characterize threat behaviors and inform space situational awareness
• Formulate and interpret problems in mathematical terms to enable physics-based modeling
• Design, develop, and evaluate models and algorithms in orbit dynamics and data analytics
• Develop, maintain, and enhance software algorithms and tools using Java, Python, or C++
• Integrate space-based models into modeling and simulation frameworks for mission studies
• Improve and test the Modeling & Simulation framework to meet customer needs
• Communicate technical findings to stakeholders via visualizations and briefings

Skills

Orbit dynamics

Data processing

Mathematical modeling

Python

Java

C++

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering / related STEM

Tools

STK

FreeFlyer

Git

Linux

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking an Orbital Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support our Air Force, Space and Intel Business Group. This group provides specialized program management, engineering, analysis, and operations support to a variety of Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) customers. In this role, you will work on cutting‑edge, national security–related space systems, advancing current and future space mission concepts through physics‑based modeling, orbit dynamics analysis, and software tool development. This position directly supports the community’s space situational awareness mission.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct analysis of mission data for space domain missions to characterize threat behaviors, assess system vulnerabilities, and inform space situational awareness.
• Formulate and interpret mission and system problems in mathematical and computational terms to enable physics‑based modeling and quantitative analysis.
• Design, develop, and evaluate mathematical models, methods, and algorithms in the areas of orbit dynamics, data analytics, and mission performance assessment.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance complex software algorithms and tools (e.g., processing‑intensive analytics, manipulation of large data sets, modeling and simulation utilities) using languages such as Java, Python, or C++.
• Advance, validate, and integrate space‑based models and analysis tools into broader modeling and simulation frameworks and scenarios to support mission studies and potential acquisitions.
• Improve, support, and test the Modeling & Simulation framework used by the team, including integration of new analysis products/tools and refinement of existing applications to better meet customer mission needs.
• Communicate technical findings and complex analytic results to stakeholders through clear visualizations, reports, and briefings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related STEM discipline; OR 4 additional years of experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience providing space vehicle or orbit dynamics support
• Demonstrated proficiency with orbit analysis tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or other orbital modeling software packages.
• Hands‑on experience developing algorithms and engineering tools for data processing and modeling & simulation using Java, Python, or C++.
• Practical understanding of modeling and simulation with a focus on optimization, including theoretical and numerical methods applied to current and future space systems.
• Ability to distill complex technical problems into structured, digestible analysis approaches and clearly defined tasks.
• Demonstrated aptitude and drive to tackle unsolved and technically challenging problems in a collaborative environment.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required; must be current and maintainable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Data Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• Experience developing new capabilities, methodologies, or processes to improve data extraction, analysis, and mission insight for space systems.
• Experience visualizing and conveying complex analytic results to diverse audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Experience with operational space systems, including data analysis, modeling, and performance assessment in current and projected operational environments.
• Familiarity with configuration management and version control tools (e.g., Git).
• Experience with Linux environments and complementary technical skills such as CAD modeling or graphics programming (e.g., OpenGL/JOGL).
• Previous experience supporting the Intelligence Community and/or the Department of Defense.

• Complementary skills or software programs such as CAD modeling, FIST/COAST analysis software, Linux experience and programming with OpenGL/JOGL

Physical Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in an office or classified lab environment.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, operating a computer and other office equipment, for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, and occasional travel as required by the program.

2026.10.1

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.