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Astrodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NS2 Mission

Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Are you a Software Developer with a passion for astrodynamics looking to apply your skills to cutting-edge space mission software? NS2 Mission is seeking an excellent Software Developer candidate to ...

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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.

More about Astrodynamics jobs
What cities are hiring for Astrodynamics jobs? Cities with the most Astrodynamics job openings:
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Astrodynamics jobs near you
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

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About Varda Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. About this Role We are seeking a highly talented, self-motivated Senior Astrodynamics Engineer (you may also know this as mission design, trajectory design, or flight dynamics) to join our rapidly growing startup. As part of our larger Autonomous Systems team, you will have the technical leadership opportunity to create, design and implement full-cycle mission planning and orbital mechanics profiles for future reentry vehicles, unlocking the future of space factories with rapid flight and entry for next generation products. You will work closely with a top-notch multidisciplinary vehicle engineering team to architect the mission plan and trajectory of the world's first commercial reentry vehicle, enabling the ability to precision land and return manufactured products to earth. You'll own and develop modeling and simulation infrastructure and tooling to help ensure trajectory design and reentry profile are accurate, reliable, and safe. You will own the full cycle of mission planning and orbital dynamics development, from requirements definition and design to mission planning and on-orbit and reentry operations. We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex and open-ended problems, can work effectively in a fast-paced environment and share our passion in creating in-space industry. Responsibilities
  • Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for the reentry of a next generation space vehicle
  • Design spacecraft trajectories and produce orbital analyses for commercial reentry vehicles
  • Optimize trajectories based on fuel, time, and/or performance characteristics
  • Work closely with propulsion, software and flight operations teams to ensure vehicle and mission objectives are accomplished in the vehicle design
  • Design and implementation of autonomous satellite navigational solutions, collision avoidance, orbital rendezvous, and atmospheric re-entry algorithms
  • Running Monte Carlo analysis to characterize performance of new features
  • Lead the development of new vehicle capabilities
  • Develop and maintain ground-based mission operations tooling in support of automated and scalable on-orbit operations
  • Support in-orbit operations as trajectory specialist, including coordination with other spacecraft operators and 3rd party entities
Required Skills
  • Teamwork skills are necessary to solve problems in a collaborative environment
  • Ability to scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems
  • Develop 6 degree of freedom vehicle simulation using C++ and Python
  • Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for the reentry of a space capsule
  • Mission specific analysis for customer launch and in support of business development
Basic Qualifications
  • B.S. degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics, or related field
  • 5+ proven years of experience, or PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge in designing, modeling, testing, and flying orbital trajectories or aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems
  • Highly adept software and model development skills, particularly in C++/Python/Matlab
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics, modeling and simulation, and software development
  • Experience anchoring/fitting first principles models to test data or high-fidelity external simulations
  • Proven system engineering and configuration management skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Understanding of multi-body dynamics, flexible body dynamics, gas dynamics, fluids, and thermodynamics
  • Experience developing and verifying physical models for the purpose of control design, component sizing, and system performance evaluation
  • Experience supporting flight test or flying spacecraft
  • Ability to continuously manage risk and provide solutions with lean software development techniques
  • Experience with project management for cradle-to-grave projects
  • Prior work in a technical leadership role for a launch vehicle or satellite development effort
  • Prior work in a startup or agile development environment
  • Capability to solve complex problems autonomy as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry
Pay Range
  • Salary range: $170,000 - $200,000/per year
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
ITAR Requirements
  • Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than "U.S. Persons" as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. "US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.) Learn more about the ITAR here.
Benefits
  • Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
  • Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
  • 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
  • Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
  • Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
  • Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
  • Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. E-Verify Statement Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program. E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice Read more Read more

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