Senior Scientist, Space Surveillance & Orbital Analytics

Millennial Software; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical, dental, and

100% company-paid disability and life

15% 401(k) company contribution

30 days PTO/holidays

Generous training budget

Paid paternal and maternal leave

Top notch company swag

Job summary

Millennial Software is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our team supporting a Government customer on national security efforts. You’ll develop algorithms and software to assist Orbital Analysts by automating sensor tasking and data processing in Linux-based environments.

The role focuses on applying orbital mechanics to tasks such as orbit determination, catalog maintenance, maneuver assessment, and collision avoidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• 10+ years of space-related experience in SSA, catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and collision avoidance.
• Ability to work on-site at Virginia locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms and performance metrics that support Orbital Analysts’ SSA workflows (e.g., catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, conjunction/collision avoidance).
• Develop algorithms and software that automate and enhance sensor data tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination.
• Build and maintain software/scripts to automate, monitor, and improve data processing pipelines related to space operations.
• Apply orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to operational problems including orbit determination and maintenance; orbit decay; and orbital maneuvers for station keeping/change of station.
• Define validation approaches and quantify algorithm performance; document assumptions, limitations, and results for operational use.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to refine requirements, demonstrate capabilities, and ensure mission outcomes.
• Contribute technical ideas that influence SDA product and program features, roadmap, and strategy.
• Serve as a technical expert and key contributor to space surveillance technology development.
• Execute all responsibilities in alignment with core values, mission, and purpose.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Astrodynamics

Python

MATLAB

Linux

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Millennial Software is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our team supporting a Government customer on national security efforts. You’ll develop algorithms and software to assist Orbital Analysts by automating sensor tasking and data processing in Linux-based environments.

The role focuses on applying orbital mechanics to tasks such as orbit determination, catalog maintenance, maneuver assessment, and collision avoidance.