Astrodynamics Engineer

• Travel Required: No
• Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI
• Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

SAIC is hiring Astrodynamics Engineers in Chantilly, VA to join a mission-driven analysis team supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. This team develops and analyzes novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities, working within a supportive Government environment and engaging frequently with senior Government decision-makers. Engineers will solve complex modeling and simulation challenges and collaborate with multi-disciplinary experts to provide comprehensive, actionable insights.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
•    Develop and apply astrodynamics and/or orbit determination models to support satellite mission design, analysis, and assessment.
•    Perform independent trade studies and technical assessments of orbits, maneuvers, RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), conjunction risks, and related mission parameters.
•    Evaluate and validate results and analysis products provided by external teams, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
•    Design, implement, and refine modeling and simulation tools in Python or C++ (or by rapidly transferring skills from other programming languages), including potential use of High Performance Computing (HPC) resources.
•    Identify and explore new mission concepts, analytical approaches, and modeling techniques that enhance mission effectiveness and resilience.
•    Prepare and present clear, actionable technical briefings and written reports to Government customers and senior decision-makers.
•    Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, and GPU computing to develop integrated analyses and solutions; refine analyses based on formal internal and external peer review.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical STEM field and 2+ years of relevant experience; OR
  • Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical STEM field and 0+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in astrodynamics/orbital mechanics, orbit determination, or related space mission analysis (e.g., orbit maneuver design, RPO, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, or space domain awareness).
• Ability to program in Python or C++, or to quickly become proficient by transferring skills from another scientific/engineering programming language (e.g., MATLAB, Java, C, Fortran).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mutually supportive engineering team.
• Ability to refine and improve analyses based on feedback from formal internal and external peer reviews.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive Government facilities, data, and programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with orbit maneuver design, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, or other advanced astrodynamics applications.
• Experience leveraging High Performance Computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated computing, or cloud-based environments for large-scale modeling and simulation.
• Familiarity with astrodynamics and mission analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit, or similar software.
• Prior experience supporting IC, DoD, or other national security space missions.
• Demonstrated ability to present complex technical material to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior Government decision-makers.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or SCIF environment in Chantilly, VA.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, including frequent use of keyboard, mouse, and display screens.
• Occasional lifting of items such as laptops, reference materials, or documentation up to approximately 20 pounds.
• Ability to participate in in-person meetings, briefings, and limited travel as required by the program.

About Us

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.