Space Systems Engineer – Orbital Analysis

Saic; California (MO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Space Systems Engineer – Orbital Analysis to support the 18th Space Defense Squadron and U.S. Space Force at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA.

The role focuses on advanced orbital analysis, improving methods, and integrating data from tracking sensors to enhance Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The candidate will work with operators, analysts, and other engineers across space operations centers to ensure engineering solutions meet operational needs, with occasional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related STEM field and 3–9 years of relevant space systems engineering or orbital analysis experience.
• Expertise in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, including orbit determination, prediction, and perturbation methods.
• Experience with space object tracking sensors/networks and data usage for SDA missions.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced orbital analysis for SDA missions, including orbit determination, prediction, conjunction assessment, and maneuver evaluation.
• Develop and optimize analytical methods and workflows for spaceflight safety and space defense operations.
• Integrate data from tracking sensors; assess data quality and sensor performance; recommend improvements.
• Configure and use ASW, Atlas, or similar tools; integrate into SDA environments.
• Contribute to technical documentation: CONOPS, SOPs, and engineering reports.
• Collaborate with operators, analysts, and engineers across space ops centers and agencies.
• Provide technical guidance in orbital mechanics to troubleshoot and enhance SDA capabilities.

Skills

Orbit determination

Orbit prediction

Astrodynamics

Data analysis

Linux (Red Hat)

Communication

MS Office

DoD/IC experience

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics

Tools

ASW

Atlas

Astrodynamics analysis tools

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Space Systems Engineer – Orbital Analysis to provide technical and engineering support to the 18th Space Defense Squadron and U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. This engineer will support and enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations by performing advanced orbital analysis, improving analytical methods and tools, and integrating data from space object tracking sensors and networks. The role bridges operational SDA needs with engineering rigor to improve the accuracy, responsiveness, and effectiveness of national security space operations. While most work is performed Monday through Friday during normal duty hours, occasional work outside these hours may be required in support of non-routine operations or mission events.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform advanced orbital analysis in support of SDA missions, including orbit determination, orbit prediction, conjunction assessment, orbit decay modeling, and maneuver evaluation for station-keeping and changes of station.
• Support the development, refinement, and optimization of analytical methods, processes, and workflows used for spaceflight safety, mission protection, and space defense operations.
• Integrate and assess data from space object tracking sensors and networks, evaluate data quality and sensor performance, and recommend improvements to data usage and processing.
• Configure and employ tools such as the Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), Atlas, or similar astrodynamics/orbital analysis software, and support their integration into operational SDA environments.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of technical documentation, including concepts of operations (CONOPS), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering reports that support SDA and space defense missions.
• Collaborate with operators, analysts, and other engineers across space operations centers, intelligence organizations, and space acquisition offices to ensure that engineering solutions address operational needs.
• Provide technical guidance and subject matter expertise in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to support troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and enhancements to SDA capabilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related STEM field and 3–9 years of relevant space systems engineering or orbital analysis experience.

Demonstrated expertise in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, including:

• Orbit determination and estimation methods.
• Orbit prediction and propagation.
• General and special perturbation techniques.
• Orbit decay and reentry considerations.
• Orbital maneuvers for station keeping and changes of station.
• Experience performing orbital analysis or astrodynamics engineering in support of operational space missions (Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, civil, or commercial).
• Experience working with space object tracking sensors, networks, and associated data, and understanding their capabilities and limitations.
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems, particularly Red Hat Linux, and experience using astrodynamics and/or analysis tools in that environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document and present technical analysis to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Clearance Requirements

• Active TS/SCI with a current Polygraph

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting the 18th Space Defense Squadron, other Space Force SDA units, or similar operational space organizations.
• Hands‑on experience with Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), Atlas, or similar astrodynamics/orbital analysis tools beyond basic user‑level operation (e.g., configuration, advanced analysis, or workflow optimization).
• Experience improving analytical processes or tools supporting spaceflight safety, conjunction assessment, or space defense operations.
• Experience in an operations center or mission environment where engineering support is provided to real‑time or near‑real‑time decision‑making.
• Experience interpreting, drafting, or implementing technical portions of space‑related policies, plans, and procedures.
• Physical Requirements:
• Work is primarily performed in an office and/or operations center environment at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer and standard office equipment.
• May be required to work outside normal duty hours on occasion to support non‑routine operations or mission events.

2026.10.1

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.