Senior Astrodynamics & Navigation Engineer

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision

Generous leave

HSA

401(k) matching

Equity sharing

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking an experienced Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis across the mission lifecycle. You will work with GNC, flight software, propulsion, and operations teams to implement high‑fidelity flight dynamics capabilities.

The role requires a strong background in orbital mechanics and navigation, plus experience with STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, and programming in Python or MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of experience performing mission design tasks and flight dynamics operations for spacecraft.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and spacecraft navigation.
• Experience with industry standard tools such as STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar.
• Experience in at least one of Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Lead trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis across the mission lifecycle.
• Own mission-level simulation, end-to-end performance analysis, and tool development (Python/MATLAB/C++).
• Collaborate with GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams.
• Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Flight dynamics

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering/Astrodynamics/Physics

Tools

STK/ODTK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Job description

Quantum Space is seeking an experienced Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis across the mission lifecycle. You will work with GNC, flight software, propulsion, and operations teams to implement high‑fidelity flight dynamics capabilities.

The role requires a strong background in orbital mechanics and navigation, plus experience with STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, and programming in Python or MATLAB.