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Astrodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Astrodynamics

Chantilly, VA

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC has a funded need for a Astrodynamics Modeling and Simulation Analyst to support the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA. This position offers a ...

Turion Space

Senior Astrodynamics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180K - $270K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an experienced Astrodynamics Engineer - Orbit Determination Specialist to lead the development of high-fidelity orbit determination and astronautics capabilities for a ...

Turion Space

Senior Astrodynamics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$180K - $270K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an experienced Astrodynamics Engineer - Orbit Determination Specialist to lead the development of high-fidelity orbit determination and astronautics capabilities for a ...

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do astrodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for astrodynamics in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs do astrophysicists get?

Astrophysicists can work in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and aerospace companies, often conducting data analysis, developing models, and using tools like telescopes and computer simulations. Common roles include research scientist, data analyst, and university professor, requiring strong analytical skills and advanced degrees in physics or astronomy.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Astrodynamics?

Professionals in Astrodynamics typically spend their days developing and analyzing spacecraft trajectories, performing orbital simulations, and ensuring mission feasibility using advanced modeling tools and software. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including spacecraft engineers, mission planners, and operations specialists—to optimize flight paths and address challenges such as fuel efficiency and collision avoidance. Regular tasks may also include preparing technical reports, presenting findings, and supporting real-time operations during mission-critical events. This blend of analytical work and team collaboration makes the role dynamic and integral to the success of space missions.

What is an Astrodynamics job?

An astrodynamics job involves the study and application of orbital mechanics to design and analyze the trajectories of spacecraft, satellites, and other celestial bodies. Professionals in this field calculate orbital transfers, predict satellite positions, and develop models for space missions. They work with physics-based simulations, mathematical models, and software tools to ensure mission success. Astrodynamicists are employed by aerospace companies, space agencies, and research institutions to support space exploration, defense, and satellite operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Astrodynamics position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Astrodynamics, you need a deep understanding of orbital mechanics, physics, and applied mathematics, typically supported by an advanced degree in aerospace engineering or a related discipline. Familiarity with simulation software such as GMAT, STK, or MATLAB, as well as proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++, is common in the field. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are highly valued. These technical and interpersonal competencies are essential for developing, evaluating, and communicating space mission trajectories and ensuring mission success.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In astrodynamics, high-paying roles such as senior aerospace engineers, research scientists, or program managers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills in orbital mechanics, simulation tools, and security clearances, typically found in government agencies or private aerospace firms.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, including those working in astrodynamics or related fields, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in the industry. High compensation is often associated with senior positions, specialized skills, and work in defense, space exploration, or private aerospace companies.

How to get into astrodynamics?

To pursue a career in astrodynamics, a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field is essential, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Developing skills in orbital mechanics, programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python), and familiarity with simulation tools like STK or GMAT can improve job prospects. Internships and research experience in space missions or satellite design are valuable for entry-level positions.
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Astrodynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrodynamics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Astrodynamics

Astrodynamics

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 205 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613664

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-15

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Modeling/Sim Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has a funded need for a Astrodynamics Modeling and Simulation Analyst to support the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

This position offers a flexible work schedule, with core collaboration hours from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., allowing you to balance mission demands with personal flexibility while still engaging deeply with a world‑class engineering team.

Clearance Requirements:  Top Secret/SCI with active Polygraph.  (Note: The current Security Clearance must be held by an IC Customer.)

Role Overview

As the Astrodynamics Modeling and Simulation Analyst you will develop and model very sophisticated high fidelity satellite maneuvering and orbit determination CONOPS in all Earth orbit regimes.  You will work with satellite developers and operators who will use your modeling and simulation products to inform their spacecraft designs, mission planning, and system-of-systems interactions.

Your work will include designing maneuvers to modify the dynamics of accesses to ground sites, multi-satellite Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), launch analyses, high fidelity orbit propagation, as well as orbit determination for Space Domain Awareness.  Your results will be used by senior Government leaders, system architects, and program managers to chart the path for next-generation space capabilities.

Key Responsibilities to include:

  • Astrodynamics modeling and simulation — Build, refine, and maintain physics-based advanced mathematical models.
  • End-to-end mission modeling — Integrate astrodynamics and system-level interactions to evaluate mission performance across full operational scenarios.
  • Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) — Leverage existing tools that generate high fidelity maneuvering sequences using sophisticated optimization algorithms that incorporate a variety of operational constraints.
  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA) — Simulate orbit determination using observations from space surveillance and RPO sensors including associating detections to space catalog objects and detecting maneuvers. Propagate orbits at high fidelity and predict conjunction probabilities.
  • Automate modeling workflows at scale — Use and extend the capabilities of existing advanced custom Python and C modeling tools that run in Cloud Computing and High Performance. Computing (HPC, parallel processing supercomputing) environments to rapidly generate statistical results covering very large numbers of possible scenarios..
  • Produce technical artifacts — Generate clear, defensible technical documentation, simulation reports, and visualizations that support engineering decisions, analysis reviews, and customer briefings.
  • Support design reviews & trade studies — Provide modeling-driven insights that quantify performance impacts, evaluate CONOPS alternatives, and inform system-level tradeoffs across spacecraft and mission architectures.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 5+ years of professional technical experience (Master’s degree with 3+ years, or PhD.)
  • Current and Active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph  (Note: The current Security Clearance must be held by an IC Customer.)
  • 2+ years of Astrodynamics modeling experience — High fidelity maneuvering, propagation, orbit determination.
  • Coding, mathematics & estimation — Solid foundation in coding in Python or C, applied math and state estimation techniques used in modeling and simulation.

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