Principal Orbit Operation Analyst

Job ID: 2616815 | Location: Vandenberg SFB, CA, US | Date Posted: 2026-09-15

About the role

SAIC is seeking candidates for a Space Systems Engineer / Orbital Analyst who will directly support the 18th Space Defense Squadron and the U.S. Space Forces for Space field command located at Vandenberg Space Force, CA, Base in space protection, orbital analysis, data analysis, space defense, and satellite conjunction assessment. The engineer provides expertise in Space Domain Awareness (SDA), solving various operational orbital mechanics problems and processes data for orbit states and predictions. The position would be responsible for coordination and integration of relevant information and findings across multiple functional areas to develop and deliver products enabling customers’ situational awareness and decisions. While this position will accomplish most tasks Monday through Friday, normal day hours, due to the non-routine operations environment, work may be required outside those times.

Responsibilities

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog required as part of the evolving SDA mission.
• Execute operational functions to include space flight safety, defensive space control, intelligence analysis, and operational, technical and engineering support to national security space programs.
• Review and prepare responses for applicable government policies, plans, procedures and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with other space operations centers and space acquisition offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3–9 years of experience; or military experience working in an operational space unit.
• Active TS/SCI w/Poly clearance.
• Experience involving Space Situational Awareness, satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment.
• Ability to perform real‑time analysis and solutions to technical and operational problems.

Skills

• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Ability to interpret, draft, discuss, and implement U.S. government‑wide space policy with members from various USG agencies.
• Understanding of space object tracking sensors, networks, and data, including capabilities and limitations.
• Familiarity with Linux‑based OS, particularly Red Hat Linux.
• Familiarity with Space Force’s Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW) software, Atlas or similar tools.
• Ability to apply knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to operations, including orbit determination and maintenance, general and special perturbation‑based data and formats, orbit decay, and orbital maneuvers for station keeping and change of station.
• Ability to apply orbital mechanics to real‑world problems.
• General understanding of methods of orbit determination and prediction, and use of orbital state data.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint).

Pay

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000.

Schedule

Full‑Time, Evening shift.