Space Systems Engineer: Orbital Analysis & SDA Operations

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

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