Senior Astrodynamics Engineer

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Astrodynamics Engineer to join a mission-driven analysis team supporting satellite programs and national priorities.

You will perform complex modeling, simulation, and mission analysis, delivering actionable insights to senior Government stakeholders. Strong background in astrodynamics and Python/C++ development is required, with on-site work at Chantilly facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or related STEM field with 5+ years in astrodynamics.
• Master’s degree in related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with orbital mechanics and at least one: orbit maneuver design, RPO, or conjunction assessment.
• Proficiency in Python or C++, or ability to apply skills to Python/C++ for modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• Ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary engineering environment and work on-site in Chantilly, VA.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex astrodynamics modeling and simulation for current and future satellite missions.
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments for external teams.
• Analyze and design orbit maneuvers, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), and space domain awareness analyses.
• Develop, implement, and maintain analysis tools using Python or C++, leveraging HPC resources where applicable.
• Prepare and deliver concise technical briefings and written products to senior Government customers and other stakeholders.
• Refine analyses in response to peer reviews and support related analyses across SAIC contracts.

Skills

Python

C++

Astrodynamics

Orbit design

RPO

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related STEM field

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related STEM field

Tools

STK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Orekit

Job description

Description

SAIC is hiring a Senior Astrodynamics Engineer to join a mission‑driven analysis team in Chantilly, VA, supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. This role supports Government customers with frequent access to senior decision‑makers and focuses on complex modeling, simulation, and mission analysis for novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities. The engineer will perform independent trade studies and technical assessments and deliver actionable insights to senior Government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform complex astrodynamics modeling and simulation, including orbit design, trajectory analysis, and/or orbit determination for current and future satellite missions.


• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments, including evaluating and validating results provided by external teams.


• Analyze and design orbit maneuvers (including Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), perform maneuver detection and conjunction assessment, and support space domain awareness and mission operations analysis.


• Develop, implement, and maintain analysis tools and algorithms using Python or C++ (or similar languages), and leverage High Performance Computing resources where applicable.


• Identify and assess new mission concepts and technical approaches, collaborating closely with experts in propulsion, sensors (radar/optical), AI/ML, cloud computing, and GPU‑accelerated workloads.


• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and actionable technical briefings and written products to senior Government customers and other stakeholders.


• Refine and update analyses in response to formal internal and external peer reviews and support related analyses across other SAIC prime contracts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical STEM field and 5+ years of relevant experience in astrodynamics, orbit determination, or satellite mission analysis; OR


• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical STEM field and 2+ years of relevant experience.


• Demonstrated experience with orbital mechanics and at least one of the following: orbit maneuver design, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, or space domain awareness analysis.


• Proficiency in Python or C++, or the demonstrated ability to rapidly apply existing programming skills in another language to Python or C++ for modeling, simulation, and data analysis.


• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a multi‑disciplinary, mutually supportive engineering environment.


• Experience conducting technical analyses and refining results in response to internal and external peer reviews.


• Ability to work on‑site in Chantilly, VA.

Clearance Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS) in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, or a related discipline.


• Experience with RPO mission design, autonomous proximity operations, or satellite servicing concepts.


• Experience with maneuver detection, covariance analysis, and conjunction assessment in operational or high‑fidelity simulation environments.


• Familiarity with High Performance Computing environments and/or GPU‑accelerated computation for large‑scale simulations.


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


• Prior experience supporting national security space or intelligence community space programs.

Physical Requirements

• Work is typically performed in an office or SCIF environment.


• Ability to remain in a stationary position, operating a computer and other office equipment, for extended periods.


• Ability to participate in in‑person meetings, briefings, and occasional travel to customer or partner sites as required.

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