Principal Astrodynamics Engineer

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Principal Astrodynamics Engineer to join a mission-driven analysis team supporting multiple satellite programs. You will lead modeling and simulation, orbit analysis, and mission assessments within a government environment with senior decision-makers.

Collaborate with propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, GPUs, and more; design maneuvers (RPO), develop Python or C++ tools, and present concise technical briefings to customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Master’s degree in a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience; OR
• PhD in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex astrodynamics and orbit determination modeling and simulation efforts to support current and future satellite mission concepts.
• Perform independent trade studies and technical assessments, and critically evaluate results provided by external teams.
• Design and analyze orbit maneuvers, including Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and related mission operations.
• Develop, implement, and refine analysis tools and algorithms using Python or C++ (or quickly transition from another programming language), potentially leveraging high-performance and GPU-based computing environments.
• Collaborate closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team in a mutually supportive environment, incorporating feedback from formal internal and external peer reviews to refine analyses.
• Present clear, actionable technical briefings and recommendations to senior Government customers and program stakeholders, and support additional prime contracts as needed.

Skills

Astrodynamics

Orbital mechanics

Mission analysis

Python

C++

Education

Bachelors in related field

Masters in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

STK

GMAT

FreeFlyer

Orekit

HPC

GPU computing

Cloud computing

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Principal Astrodynamics Engineer to join a mission-driven analysis team in Chantilly, VA, supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. Our team drives the development and evaluation of novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities, operating within a highly engaged Government environment with frequent access to senior decision-makers. This role focuses on complex modeling and simulation, orbit analysis, and mission assessments, working side-by-side with experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, GPUs, and more.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead complex astrodynamics and orbit determination modeling and simulation efforts to support current and future satellite mission concepts.


• Perform independent trade studies and technical assessments, and critically evaluate results provided by external teams.


• Design and analyze orbit maneuvers, including Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and related mission operations.


• Develop, implement, and refine analysis tools and algorithms using Python or C++ (or quickly transition from another programming language), potentially leveraging high-performance and GPU-based computing environments.


• Collaborate closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team in a mutually supportive environment, incorporating feedback from formal internal and external peer reviews to refine analyses.


• Present clear, actionable technical briefings and recommendations to senior Government customers and program stakeholders, and support additional prime contracts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field and 9+ years of relevant experience; OR


• Master’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of relevant experience; OR


• PhD in a related field and 4+ years of relevant experience.


• Demonstrated experience in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, spacecraft mission analysis, and/or orbit determination.


• Ability to program in Python or C++, or to very quickly learn by transferring skills from another programming language.


• Experience conducting independent technical analyses, trade studies, or mission assessments, and refining work products in response to formal peer review.


• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary engineering team.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation and delivery of concise technical briefings.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.


• Must have, or be willing and able to successfully complete, a polygraph examination as required by the customer.


• Must be willing and able to work on-site in Chantilly, VA, within a secure Government environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community satellite programs, particularly in an analysis, SETA, or FFRDC-like environment.


• Hands-on experience with orbit maneuver design, RPO analysis, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and space domain awareness.


• Experience leveraging high-performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated computing, or cloud-based environments for large-scale simulations.


• Familiarity with astrodynamics and mission analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit, or similar.


• Prior experience leading small technical teams or acting as a technical lead on complex analysis efforts.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or secure SCIF environment in Chantilly, VA.


• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods performing detailed analytical and modeling tasks.


• May require occasional local or CONUS travel for customer meetings, reviews, or collaboration with other teams.

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