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Astrodynamics Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

The Role As a Senior Software Engineer on our Ground Software team, you are responsible for ... communications, astrodynamics, and more. **This role requires in person presence at our ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$123K - $150K/yr

The Role As a Senior Software Engineer on our Ground Software team, you are responsible for ... communications, astrodynamics, and more. **This role requires in person presence at our ...

True Anomaly

Senior Software Engineer, Front End

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$133K - $176K/yr

... astrodynamics algorithm engineers--contributing to system-wide architectural decisions • Ship ... Required : • 7+ years of software development experience • Expert-level command of HTML/CSS and ...

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Astrodynamics Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do astrodynamics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for astrodynamics software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Astrodynamics Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astrodynamics Software Engineer, you need a strong background in orbital mechanics, mathematics, physics, and software development, typically supported by a degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or computer science. Expertise in programming languages (such as C++, Python, or MATLAB), experience with simulation tools, and familiarity with astrodynamics libraries are essential, along with relevant certifications or project experience. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this field. These skills enable the accurate modeling, analysis, and implementation of space missions, ensuring mission success and the development of reliable spaceflight solutions.

What are some typical challenges faced by Astrodynamics Software Engineers when developing mission planning tools?

Astrodynamics Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to the high precision required in modeling spacecraft trajectories and orbital mechanics. These roles frequently involve integrating complex mathematical algorithms with robust software architectures, ensuring both accuracy and computational efficiency. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as mission analysts, guidance and navigation experts, and systems engineers—is essential to align software functionality with mission requirements. Staying current with advances in astrodynamics models and simulation frameworks is also important for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Astrodynamics Software Engineer vs Aerospace Systems Engineer?

AspectAstrodynamics Software EngineerAerospace Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; systems engineering knowledge
Work EnvironmentDevelops algorithms for satellite trajectory, orbital mechanics, simulation softwareDesigns and integrates aerospace systems, including propulsion, avionics, and structural components
Employer & Industry UsageSpace agencies, satellite companies, aerospace firmsAircraft manufacturers, space agencies, defense contractors

While both roles require aerospace knowledge and engineering skills, Astrodynamics Software Engineers focus on satellite trajectories and orbital calculations, whereas Aerospace Systems Engineers work on designing and integrating entire aerospace systems. The choice depends on whether you prefer software development for space missions or broader system engineering in aerospace projects.

What are Astrodynamics Software Engineers?

Astrodynamics Software Engineers are specialized professionals who develop and maintain software tools and algorithms to predict and analyze the motion of objects in space, such as satellites, spacecraft, and debris. They use principles of physics, mathematics, and computer science to model orbital mechanics and support mission planning, navigation, and tracking. Their work is crucial to ensuring the success and safety of space missions by providing accurate trajectory predictions and solutions for complex space operations.
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What cities are hiring for Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Astrodynamics Software Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs are:
Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrodynamics Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Senior Ground Software Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Role 

As a Senior Software Engineer on our Ground Software team, you are responsible for creating the software that is used to build, test, and fly our satellites and customer payloads. You will build upon the mission software platform used to fly K2's Gravitas satellite, developing new capabilities and automation as we scale to support multiple constellations. You will collaborate closely with internal Mission Operations and Flight Software teams to define and implement our overall mission architecture, and you will work with external customers to scope and deliver software that meets their payload needs. 

You will have the opportunity to work in exciting, interdisciplinary domains like: satellite command and control, constellation operations, mission automation, radio communications, astrodynamics, and more. 

**This role requires in person presence at our headquarters in Torrance, CA.** 

Responsibilities 

  • Design and implement software that facilitates the build, test, and operations of K2's vehicles and our customers' payloads 
  • Collaborate with Mission Operators and Engineers across the company to identify and scope software solutions to complex technical and business problems
  • Facilitate software design reviews, architecture discussions, and code reviews to align stakeholders on technical direction
  • Work across our stack (Rust backend, TypeScript/Vue frontend) to support development, test, and operations milestones
  • Support internal and external customers in an on-call capacity as your software is used to drive ground test activities and on-orbit spacecraft operations
  • Mentor other engineers to build a strong team culture and software engineering practices 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a STEM discipline or 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering   
  • Additionally, 5+ years of experience building software solutions in a professional environment 

Nice-to-Have 

  • Experience working on space missions and/or the satellite ground segment 
  • Experience with Rust or another statically-typed backend programming language (Go, C++, Java, C#, TypeScript)
  • Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript and modern frontend development tooling (Vue, React, Svelte)
  • Experience with version control, continuous integration, build, deployment, monitoring
  • Experience developing HTTP or gRPC APIs
  • Experience with SQL databases (PostgreSQL or similar)
  • Experience designing and implementing event-driven architectures
  • Experience developing reliable, scalable systems
  • Experience with Docker and/or Kubernetes
  • Experience with WebSockets and/or Server-Sent-Events (SSE)
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and relevant certifications/standards (SOC2, FedRAMP)
  • Familiarity with networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, QUIC)
  • Familiarity with data streaming technologies such as NATS, Pulsar, or similar 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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