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Astrodynamics Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... astrodynamics, and more. Responsibilities * Design and implement software that facilitates the ...

SwiftCruit

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

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

New

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 ...

K2 Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$150K - $200K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... astrodynamics, and more. Responsibilities * Design and implement software that facilitates the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAstrodynamics Software Engineer Jobs

Astrodynamics Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do astrodynamics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 is an astrodynamics software engineer?

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.
More about Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Astrodynamics Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Astrodynamics Software Engineer jobs include:
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% 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.

Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking an experiencedAstrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead the analysis, design, and operational support of highly maneuverable spacecraft missions. This role will lead trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis efforts across the mission lifecycle - from early concept development through on-orbit operations.
You will work closely with systems engineering, GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop and implement robust, high-fidelity flight dynamics capabilities that support trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis for missions across multiple regimes.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Lead mission design activities for LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar missions, including:
    • Trajectory and maneuver design
    • Delta-v/propellant budgeting
    • Orbit maintenance planning
    • Navigation covariance sensitivity studies
    • Launch injection dispersion and maneuver execution Monte Carlo analyses
    • Disposal planning
  • Own mission-level simulation and end-to-end performance analysis, including:
    • Eclipse & payload coverage analyses
    • Conjunction assessment and collision avoidance analysis
    • Ground station visibility analysis and link budget inputs
    • Tracking geometry assessment and schedules
    • Scheduling support for mission operations
  • Architect navigation solutions, informing selection of spacecraft tracking measurement phenomenologies and ground networks
  • Develop and maintain internal flight dynamics and mission analysis tools (Python/MATLAB/C++-based)
  • Contribute to spacecraft operations, including maneuver planning, anomaly investigation and on-orbit performance evaluation
  • Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports
  • Collaborate with GNC, communications, systems engineering, mission operations

What It Takes:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field
  • 5-10+ years of experience performing mission design tasks, general mission analysis, and flight dynamics related operations for spacecraft systems
  • Strong background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and spacecraft navigation
  • Experience with industry standard tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK)/Orbit Determination Toolkit (ODTK), Freeflyer, GMAT, or similar
  • Experience in at least one of the following languages: Python, MATLAB
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice-to-Have Experience:
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in Astrodynamics or Estimation
  • Experience with cislunar three-body trajectory design and navigation
  • Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) mission design including relative orbit design and navigation
  • Experience designing low-thrust and hybrid propulsion spacecraft missions
  • Experience with alternative forms of spacecraft navigation (e.g. OpNAV, inter-satellite links)
  • Exposure to other spacecraft subsystems (e.g. GNC, propulsion, FSW)

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Build and validate the flight dynamics capability that defines how our spacecraft operate across LEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.
  • Innovation - Shape next-generation flight dynamics architectures, trajectory design methodologies, and mission analysis tools for high-energy, low-energy, and multi-body missions.
  • Impact - Directly influence mission feasibility, Delta-V performance, navigation accuracy, and long-term success across LEO, GEO, and cislunar operations.
  • Growth - Collaborate across GNC, avionics, flight software, systems engineering, and mission operations, with opportunities to expand into advanced astrodynamics,orbitdetermination, mission design, or on-orbit flight operations leadership.
  • Compensation -Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Rockville, MD or, Hawthorne, CA or, Denver, CO
Base Salary: $125,000 - $175,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Apply