Astrodynamics Analyst

SAIC is seeking an Astrodynamics Analyst to join a team conducting high-fidelity modeling of advanced maneuvering and orbit-determination strategies for satellites in LEO, MEO, and GEO.

About the role

You will collaborate with satellite designers and operations planners, leveraging your analyses to inform decisions for cutting-edge systems. As part of an agile group that includes sensing and AI experts, you will simulate integrated operations concepts at scale with support from cloud-computing and supercomputing specialists. The role offers regular opportunities to present findings to elite government customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate novel, complex orbital-maneuvering strategies using high-level programming languages, including large orbit changes, multi-satellite Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), and launch trajectories.
• Model and analyze orbit-determination operations using data from space-surveillance sensing experts.
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments.
• Review and validate technical metrics, algorithm descriptions, and data products provided by external teams.
• Translate complex behaviors and findings into clear, actionable technical briefings and documentation to drive critical national decisions.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance held by an IC organization, with the ability to obtain a polygraph.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience: Bachelor’s plus five years, Master’s plus three years, or PhD in satellite maneuver design and/or orbit-determination modeling.
• Advanced, hands-on proficiency using MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar tools.

Benefits

• Company 401(k) match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase plan.

Pay

$120,000 – $200,000, based on qualifications. Target salary range for this position is $160,001 – $200,000.

Schedule

• Full-time, on-site with core collaboration hours from 10 am to 3 pm.
• Flexible options to work nine or eight days out of every two weeks.

Additional information

The team supports a fully funded prime government contract and routinely contributes to other prime contracts. As a large company with a major presence in Northern Virginia, SAIC offers broad work opportunities locally and nationally. Employees have access to mentoring by highly experienced experts in astrodynamics and other fields, with open communications maintained by managers to support individual and team growth.