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Astrodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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Astrodynamics information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do astrodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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 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 cities are hiring for Astrodynamics jobs? Cities with the most Astrodynamics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Astrodynamics jobs? The most popular types of Astrodynamics jobs are:
What states have the most Astrodynamics jobs? States with the most job openings for Astrodynamics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Astrodynamics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Senior Astrodynamics Engineer

Senior Astrodynamics Engineer

Slingshot Aerospace

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site, Remote

$103K - $141K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Meet Slingshot

At Slingshot Aerospace,we'reon a mission to make space safer and more securefor everyone. Our work directlyimpactsglobal security, disaster response, climate monitoring, and the critical infrastructure that connects our world.We'rea team of builders, thinkers, and problem-solvers who believe that the next generation of space operations will be powered by better data and smarter software. We move fast,we'renot afraid to fail, and we believe the best ideas can come from anywhere-whetheryou'rein engineering, sales, product, or operations. If you want to work on something that truly matters, with people who care deeply about the impactwe'remaking and help shape the future of an industrythat'sjust getting started,you'rein the right place.

WhatYou'llBe Launching

As a senior member of the Astrodynamics team, you will take a lead role advancing Slingshot's efforts to accelerate space operations intelligence and automation, ensuring the security, safety, and sustainability of space.

This work involves leading the development of advanced astrodynamics, orbit determination including multi-sensor multi-object multi-phenomenology data fusion, and satellite and constellation mission optimization.

You will also support the development of physics and AI/ML-based algorithms and software for analytics and insights.

You will act as the subject matter expert, provide knowledge and expertise to internal and external stakeholders, lead research and development initiatives, mentor other members of the team and support product demonstrations, business development, bid and proposal process, and outreach activities.

In this role you will develop and enable delivery of solutions across Slingshot's core functions: Sense, Fuse, Decide, Act.

Your Mission (Should you choose to accept it)
  • Execute all position responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot's core values, mission, and purpose
  • Implementadvanced astrodynamics, orbit determination, and optimizationtechniquestowardsspace operationsintelligence andautonomy
  • Support ongoing and future transitions of Slingshot'sastrodynamics capabilitiesto the Slingshot Global Sensor Network (SGSN)and pipeline,Slingshot product offerings, and customer applications
  • Provideastrodynamicssubject matterexpertise(e.g., sensor fusion and multi-target tracking algorithms, conjunction analysis algorithms, astrodynamics, mission optimization, etc.)to internal and external teams
  • Lead technical work on larger team efforts including cross-team initiatives
  • Architect candidate solutions based onrequirements andfeedbackfrom internal and external stakeholders,identifyrequired technical developments needed to meetstakeholderrequirements, and present findings to leadership for finalselectionand resourcing decisions
  • Monitor and follow up on technical progress of designated projects, work with stakeholders to mitigate data issues and deliver high-quality solutions,and prepare technical reports and briefing materials
  • Represent your team and Slingshot to a broader audience through presentations to customers and stakeholders
  • Aid in customer discovery process and contribute to proposal responses
  • Collaborate effectively with Slingshot's project, product, software engineering, and science teamsto contribute yourexpertiseand ideas to help shapeour products and strategies to meet customer mission-critical needs
  • Assistin the identification andsubsequentexecution of science initiatives in support ofstrategicobjectives,productroadmapsand/or internal research and development
  • Share subject matterexpertisethrough mentoring and training of other staff, and support growth of the team's technical competencies, promoting a culture of feedback and accountability
  • Collaboratively draft journal articles and attend conferences and related events
  • Perform other duties as assigned (to be less than 10% of the responsibilities listed above)
Pre-flight Checklist
  • Ph.D. (or MS + 8 years of experience) in astrodynamics or aerospace engineering disciplines, with emphasis in orbit determination, spacecraft navigation, dynamic systems modeling and simulation, space weather/environment modeling,mission planning and optimization,remote sensing, high-performance computing, or space operations
  • Demonstratedproficiencyin algorithm development and implementation in a formal programming language (e.g.python, java/kotlin, C/C++)
  • Ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, evolving operational environment that spans military, government, and industry partners
  • Solid verbal and written communications skills
  • Tenacious drive to overcome challenges and deliver solutions with excellence
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
  • Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Bonus Cargo
  • Published journal articles on a subject related to stochastic estimation for space flight,spacecraftmission planning and design,and/or spacecraft/constellation optimization
  • Experience in dynamic modeling as it relates to space flight applications
  • Demonstrated understanding of AI applications to modern problems in space flight or space traffic management
  • Experience developing, implementing, and transitioning technology to production
  • Past development experience usingopen sourceastrodynamics libraries (e.g.orekit)
  • Experience leading technical development initiatives

We'rebuilding a constellation here, not looking for identical satellites. Every member of the team brings different capabilities to the same mission. If your orbit intersects with ours andyou'remission-ready, send it.

Location: Remote, US

Salary:$147,200-$245,400

Classification:Full-time Exempt (learned professional exemption)

US-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following U.S. states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV We are unable to consider candidates residing in other U.S. states at this time.

Internationally-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following locations: United Kingdom. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other countries at this time.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for creating a safer, more connected world. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also national origin, citizenship, sex, color, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that is part of one's identity. All of our employees' points of view are key to our success, and we embrace individuality.