Astrodynamics Aerospace Engineer, Lead

About the Role

As an astrodynamics subject matter expert (SME) on a prime development program, you will use your engineering and analysis expertise to develop next-generation defense tools and technology. Your skills and expertise in astrodynamics and space situational awareness (SSA) will help develop creative space control solutions that directly impact the warfighter.

In this role, you’ll provide expertise in evaluating new technologies, performing space protection and threat analyses, and improving the design and development of aerospace systems. Your experience in orbital mechanics, visualization, and modeling will be key to delivering client-focused solutions. You’ll contribute to mission-critical solutions by evaluating, improving, and designing leading-edge aerospace technology while collaborating with a large community of developers, engineers, and clients to expand and improve national security capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead orbital analysis, visualization development, and space protection and threat analyses for an integrated team
• Apply advanced mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, numerical methods) to develop complex models
• Process, correlate, propagate, and associate space data to inform mission planning and tasking activities
• Utilize software tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), MATLAB, Python (including Astropy), Java, C, and C++ for astrodynamics applications
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with space missions, including collision avoidance, maneuver planning, and anomaly resolution
• Collaborate with software engineering teams to investigate and improve software capabilities
• Work across multiple locations with a diverse team to deliver world-class aerospace solutions

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Astronomy, Astrodynamics, Statistics, Orbital Mechanics, Mathematics, or Applied Physics with 10+ years of experience as an aerospace engineer, or Doctorate in the same fields with 5+ years of experience
• Top Secret clearance (required)

Skills

• Experience with space data processing, correlation, propagation, and association
• Proficiency in astrodynamics software tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, Java, C, C++)
• Strong foundation in advanced mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, numerical methods)
• Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Nice to Have

• Experience conducting astrodynamics domain analysis in support of software development
• Knowledge of the space environment and its effects on spacecraft (radiation, micrometeoroids, space debris)
• Understanding of orbital dynamics (Kepler’s laws, orbital perturbations, maneuvers, celestial mechanics) and orbit types (elliptical, circular, geostationary)
• Familiarity with space regulations, licensing requirements, and international agreements
• Knowledge of feedback control and classical mechanics
• TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph

Benefits

Booz Allen offers health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. A recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of company values.

Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals below this threshold are eligible for select offerings, excluding health benefits.

Pay

Salary is determined by location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800 to $257,000 (annualized USD).

Schedule

• Remote: Primarily remote, with occasional in-person work at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: Frequent work from a Booz Allen facility, with potential visits to customer sites as required.
• Onsite: Work primarily performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, with direct collaboration as required.

Employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings to support engagement and effective communication.