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Astrodynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Astrodynamics Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do astrodynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for astrodynamics engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities for an Astrodynamics Engineer?

Astrodynamics Engineers are often tasked with calculating and optimizing spacecraft trajectories, predicting orbital maneuvers, and supporting mission planning for satellites and space probes. You may also analyze mission data, model the effects of various gravitational forces, and develop software tools for simulation and analysis. Collaborative work with mission designers, spacecraft engineers, and operations teams is common to ensure mission objectives are met. The role can include both hands-on technical tasks and participation in interdisciplinary project meetings, offering opportunities to see your work directly impact real-world space missions.

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

To thrive as an Astrodynamics Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, a solid foundation in physics and mathematics, and typically a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Experience with orbital mechanics simulation software, MATLAB, STK (Systems Tool Kit), or similar specialized tools is highly valued, and some positions may require security clearance or relevant certifications. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, and strong communication abilities are important soft skills for collaborating on complex projects. These competencies ensure precision in trajectory design, mission planning, and contribute to the overall success of aerospace missions.

What does an Astrodynamics Engineer do?

An Astrodynamics Engineer designs, analyzes, and optimizes the trajectories of spacecraft, satellites, and other space vehicles. They use mathematical models, physics, and computational simulations to plan orbital maneuvers, ensure mission feasibility, and minimize fuel consumption. Their work is crucial for space missions, including satellite deployment, interplanetary exploration, and station-keeping operations.

More about Astrodynamics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Astrodynamics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Astrodynamics Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Astrodynamics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Astrodynamics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Astrodynamics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Astrodynamics Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Astrodynamics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

SETA Engineering (Mechanical/Astrodynamics/Physics) Internship (Path to Full Time Hire)

Space Kinetic

Los Angeles, CA

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

A New Paradigm for Space Operations.

Who We Are:
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space

Our Intern Program:

Space Kinetic's internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic's mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship.

What You'll Do:
We are seeking a highly motivated SETA Engineering Intern to support technical research and engineering analysis efforts across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics-related projects. This role is ideal for a highly analytical aerospace student or recent graduate interested in working closely with leadership on advanced space technology concepts, engineering trades, and research activities in a fast-paced startup environment.

This role provides exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace development, including mechanical engineering support, technical research, mission analysis, and engineering coordination activities.

  • Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities
  • Perform highly analytical, parameter-driven analyses and develop white papers that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, methodologies, and technical recommendations.
  • Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials
  • Support engineering coordination and follow-up across technical teams
  • Assist with analysis of engineering data, system concepts, and design approaches
  • Participate in technical discussions and engineering reviews
  • Support rapid research tasks and problem-solving activities in a startup environment
  • Support research into new mission and commercial applications by developing trade studies, pros and cons analyses, first-principles assessments, and early-stage simulations and models.

What It Takes:

  • Currently enrolled for a Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Must be a recent college graduate OR graduate within the last semester of your program.
  • Strong background in physics and mathematics
  • Intermediate coding ability to support technical analysis, modeling, simulation, and data processing.
  • Ability to learn quickly and work independently
  • Comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment

What We'd Love:

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations
  • Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and space mission applications
  • Exposure to MATLAB, Python, STK, GMAT, or similar technical tools is a plus
  • Strong research and technical writing ability

Where You'll Be:

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. 

Pay Range
$20—$45 USD