Senior Astrodynamics & Navigation Engineer

Quantum Space; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Medical, dental, vision insurance

HSA and 401(k) matching

Generous leave

Job summary

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD, Hawthorne, CA, or Denver, CO seeks an experienced Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead trajectory design, orbit determination, and mission analysis across LEO, MEO, GEO and cislunar regimes.

You will collaborate with GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop high‑fidelity flight dynamics capabilities and build internal tools (Python/MATLAB/C++). The role includes on‑orbit support and documentation.

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.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and navigation.
• Experience with STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, GMAT or similar tools.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission design activities for multiple orbit regimes (LEO/MEO/GEO/cislunar).
• Own end‑to‑end simulation and mission analysis, including eclipse, coverage, and link budgets.
• Develop and maintain flight dynamics tools (Python/MATLAB/C++).
• Collaborate with GNC, mission operations, and propulsion teams.
• Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports.

Skills

Astrodynamics

Navigation

Python

MATLAB

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (Nice-to-Have)

Tools

STK/ODTK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Job description

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD, Hawthorne, CA, or Denver, CO seeks an experienced Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead trajectory design, orbit determination, and mission analysis across LEO, MEO, GEO and cislunar regimes.

You will collaborate with GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop high‑fidelity flight dynamics capabilities and build internal tools (Python/MATLAB/C++). The role includes on‑orbit support and documentation.