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Astrodynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Space

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Mentor junior navigation engineers in OD, filter design, measurement modeling, and operations best ... Significant experience with navigation/astrodynamics tools (e.g., MONTE, FreeFlyer, ODTK, GMAT, STK ...

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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 Jul 11, 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.

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Astrodynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrodynamics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Space Systems Researcher / Engineer (Tech Staff)

Space Systems Researcher / Engineer (Tech Staff)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

$112K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group (Group 95) aims to solve our nation’s most demanding space-related security challenges backed by validated analysis, prototyping, and field demonstrations.  We work with senior leaders in the US Space Force, Air Force, and Intelligence Community to provide unbiased analysis and innovative solutions that directly shape US national defense strategy.  


What will you do?

 Our technical staff are skilled scientists and engineers with broad experience, eager to be on the leading edge of technology that will chart our nation’s future in space.  All staff develop an understanding of the current state-of-the-art of U.S. and foreign space capabilities and maintain awareness of new technology developments with potential to impact the space domain. They collaborate with experts throughout the lab to break down and solve complex problems then clearly communicate key findings to a range of audiences including DoD senior leaders, government technology experts, and Lincoln Laboratory colleagues.
Staff members often fill different roles and are encouraged to build diverse skills. Some examples of current Technical Staff roles:


•    Computational Physics – Develop modeling software for in-house astrodynamics toolkits. Topics include satellite propagation, guidance laws, sensors & observations, state estimation, tracking, etc.


•    Signal Processing – Design tools and pipelines to process observational data from optical, radar, and other instruments. Analyze collected data and compare to theoretical models.


•    Hardware Prototyping – Design and produce developmental hardware systems and sensors.  Design and conduct measurement campaigns using prototypes in support of analysis studies. 


•    Technical Leadership – Develop and execute strategies to solve research questions. Guide and integrate the work of a technical team to identify and communicate solutions. Propose new work to fill US capability gaps or meet emerging needs.


Candidates are not expected to have previous experience in all these areas but must be able to leverage their strong technical background to rapidly learn and make contributions. The highly collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the group provides opportunities for Technical Staff to work on a variety of projects over time and explore new interests as they develop.

What we require:
  • The hired candidate to have met one of the following education/experience requirements at the time of their anticipated start date:
    • PhD in a STEM field (including, but not limited to: Physics, Math, Computer Science, Aerospace, Astrodynamics, Engineering, etc.)?
    • Masters in a STEM field plus 5 or more years of relevant academic or industry experience
    • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field plus 10 or more years of relevant academic or industry experience
  • Previous experience in physics- and engineering-based modeling, simulation and analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts and form clear, concise narratives
  • Willingness to work on-site in Lexington,MA up to 5 workdays per week during standard business hours
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation and willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance

What we value:

  • Self-motivation – Ability to work independently with responsible time management.
  • Collaboration – Ability to work in teams, particularly multi-disciplinary teams.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000 

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000 

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits. 

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:  

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans 

  • MIT-funded pension 

  • Matching 401K 

  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.) 

  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs 

  • Mentorship programs 

  • A range of work-life balance options 

  • ... and much more!   

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks. 

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level DoD security clearance. 

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required. 

Requisition ID: 43013  

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