Senior Astrodynamics Engineer - Orbital Mechanics / Space Mission Design

Moseley Technical Services, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Moseley Technical Services, Inc. is seeking a Senior Astrodynamics Engineer - Orbital Mechanics for on-site work in El Segundo, CA. The role focuses on advanced astrodynamics, orbit design, mission analysis, and spacecraft trajectory optimization.

Responsibilities include developing requirements, leading CONOPS development, supporting orbit estimation and space domain awareness analyses, and mentoring engineering teams. A US citizenship and ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance are required.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required by Federal Law.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance post-start; a final U.S. Top Secret clearance is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering industry experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in orbital mechanics, orbit design, or astrodynamics.
• Minimum 3 years of experience using orbit design and simulation software, such as GMAT, STK, COTS mission planning tools, or similar platforms.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with scientific computing and programming tools, such as MATLAB, Python, Julia, Fortran, or C++.
• Ability to work 100% onsite at one of the designated work locations.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, orbit design, and mission analysis for spacecraft and satellite programs.
• Develop and derive astrodynamics requirements to meet customer requirements and mission objectives.
• Design and optimize spacecraft trajectories based on fuel consumption, mission duration, performance, and other mission constraints.
• Develop spacecraft maneuver plans and determine propulsion system capability required to achieve mission objectives.
• Support orbit estimation, trajectory design, orbital maneuvers, space debris collision avoidance, and space domain awareness analyses.
• Lead orbital CONOPS development from initial mission design through on-orbit operations and end-of-life disposal.
• Provide technical and console support for spacecraft flight and on-orbit mission operations.
• Serve as the Responsible Engineering Authority (REA) for the Astrodynamics subsystem on assigned programs, studies, or proposals.
• Define and develop astrodynamics tools, engineering methods, standards, and processes for mission operations and broader engineering teams.
• Oversee Astrodynamics Engineering activities across multiple programs and portfolios and maintain technical quality standards.
• Interface with spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering, and program management to ensure mission and system‑level performance.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams, including task decomposition, work delegation, technical oversight, and mentoring of astrodynamics engineers.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Trajectory design

Matlab

Python

C++

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace

Tools

GMAT

STK

Job description

Senior Astrodynamics Engineer - Orbital Mechanics | Space Mission Design

Location: On-site in El Segundo, CA

Estimated Salary: $123,000 - $225,000 / Yearly

U.S. Citizenship is required by Federal Law.

Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, orbit design, and mission analysis for spacecraft and satellite programs.
• Develop and derive astrodynamics requirements to meet customer requirements and mission objectives.
• Design and optimize spacecraft trajectories based on fuel consumption, mission duration, performance, and other mission constraints.
• Develop spacecraft maneuver plans and determine propulsion system capability required to achieve mission objectives.
• Support orbit estimation, trajectory design, orbital maneuvers, space debris collision avoidance, and space domain awareness analyses.
• Lead orbital Concept of Operations (CONOPS) development from initial mission design through on-orbit operations and end-of-life disposal.
• Provide technical and console support for spacecraft flight and on-orbit mission operations.
• Serve as the Responsible Engineering Authority (REA) for the Astrodynamics subsystem on assigned programs, studies, or proposals.
• Define and develop astrodynamics tools, engineering methods, standards, and processes for mission operations and broader engineering teams.
• Oversee Astrodynamics Engineering activities across multiple programs and portfolios and maintain technical quality standards.
• Interface with spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering, and program management to ensure mission and system‑level performance.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams, including task decomposition, work delegation, technical oversight, and mentoring of astrodynamics engineers.

Qualifications:

• US Citizenship required by Federal Law.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance post‑start; a final U.S. Top Secret clearance is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering industry experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in orbital mechanics, orbit design, or astrodynamics.
• Minimum 3 years of experience using orbit design and simulation software, such as GMAT, STK, COTS mission planning tools, or similar platforms.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with scientific computing and programming tools, such as MATLAB, Python, Julia, Fortran, or C++.
• Ability to work 100% onsite at one of the designated work locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 9+ years of industry experience in orbit analysis or related astrodynamics roles.
• Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) or spacecraft formation flight.
• Advanced orbital mechanics expertise, including trajectory optimization, relative motion maneuvering, and orbit determination techniques.
• Experience architecting novel methods, algorithms, and technical solutions for complex space mission analyses.Experience decomposing large, complex, or ambiguous engineering efforts into clearly defined tasks for execution or delegation.
• Experience establishing technical direction, engineering processes, methods, and standards for program teams.
• Advanced knowledge, methods, or technical expertise in spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).

Moseley Technical Services, Inc. is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled Employer.