Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering (Orbital Analyst)

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 92,500 - 171,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking an Orbital Analyst in Dahlgren, VA, to support satellite space situational awareness activities and orbit analysis. The role involves computing trajectories, validating models with tools like Freeflyer, STK, and MATLAB, and collaborating with software teams to deliver capabilities.

The position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance and a relevant degree with extensive related experience.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree with 6+ years of related experience; graduate degree or 4+ years with a higher degree.
• Experience with Spacecraft Operations/Orbit Analysis.
• Knowledge of ephemeris and orbit determination.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms, quantitative analyses, orbit determination, and trade studies.
• Create models, simulations, and analysis tools for national security space analysis.
• Collaborate with software teams to implement and validate models and capabilities.
• Develop new algorithms and enhance existing tools and processes.
• Interact with customers and provide input on deliverables; may act as a technical lead.

Skills

Spacecraft Operations/Orbit Analysis

Ephemeris & orbit determination

Analytical modeling

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree

10+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

STK/Astrogator

Astrodynamics Standards

ASW

MATLAB

Python

Java

UNIX/Linux

JSON

XML

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work‑life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission‑critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end‑to‑end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering (Orbital Analyst)

Job Code: 41135

Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia

Job Schedule: 5/8 Monday - Friday

Job Description

L3Harris Technologies currently has an opening for an Orbital Analyst at Dahlgren, VA. The Analyst will be a member of a dynamic team supporting cutting‑edge systems for the space industry and will support satellite space situational awareness (SSA) activities, primarily as an Orbital/Operations Analyst as part of National Security program at Dahlgren, VA. The Analyst will operate orbit determination and satellite characterization systems utilizing data from a variety of phenomena (radar, passive RF, optical). In addition, it requires knowledge of analytical prediction and use of analytical tools, such as Freeflyer, STK, and MATLAB to calculate orbit trajectories, maneuvers, and to establish design reference missions.

We have a long history of innovative and exceptional performance; we have earned our place as a trusted provider to our customers. In this position, you will bring your orbital analyst background to a system engineering role where you can make a broad impact to programs and projects that are critical to our customers.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for algorithm development, quantitative analysis, orbit determination, decision analysis, capability analysis, system engineering requirements analysis and trade studies, analyses of alternatives, design of experiments, and architecture analysis.
• Support programs by creating models, simulations, and analysis tools to support national security space analysis activities.
• Collaborate with software development teams to implement and validate models, ultimately resulting in user capabilities.
• Develop new algorithms and processes, enhance current tool capabilities, and perform analyses.
• Interaction with customers and provides input to project managers on programmatic and technical deliverables under guidance of senior technical personnel.
• May act as a technical lead for limited aspects of a project.
• Willingness to perform 24/7 crew operations on rotating schedule, if needed.

Qualifications

• Active adjudicated Top Secret/SCI Clearance is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 6 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Experience with Spacecraft Operations/Orbit Analysis.
• Knowledge of ephemeris and orbit determination.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with STK/Astrogator, Astrodynamics Standards, SOAP, Pro Engineer.
• Experience with Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW).
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, Java, Parallel Computing, UNIX/Linux.
• Experience in supporting modeling, simulation, and analysis of national security space related problems desired.
• Experience working with JSON and XML files often used for data exchange and API Definitions.
• Experience of Space Domain Awareness mission.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite programs, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is 92,500 - 171,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company‑paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E‑Verify Employer. For the E‑Verify Poster in English or Spanish, please refer to the relevant documentation. For information regarding your Right To Work, please refer to the relevant documentation.