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Contract Lunar Design Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

BOTANICAL DESIGNS LLC

Holiday Crew Lead

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are passionate about our work and committed to delivering high-quality design and installation ... Maintains correct documentation for contracts, production and installation specifications in ...

Posted today

BOTANICAL DESIGNS LLC

Holiday Crew Lead

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are passionate about our work and committed to delivering high-quality design and installation ... Maintains correct documentation for contracts, production and installation specifications in ...

Posted today

All JobsContract Lunar Design JobsContract Lunar Design Jobs in Springfield, VA

Contract Lunar Design information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$78.9K

$134K

$196.4K

How much do contract lunar design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract lunar design in Springfield, VA is $133,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,900.00 and $150,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract lunar designers when working with multidisciplinary teams on space missions?

Contract lunar designers often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and mission planners, which can present challenges in aligning design concepts with technical requirements and mission objectives. Communication is key, as design choices must meet strict safety, material, and regulatory standards unique to lunar environments. Balancing creative innovation with the pragmatic constraints of space missions can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities to develop unique solutions and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Staying adaptable and open to feedback is essential for success in this dynamic and collaborative role.

What is a contract lunar designer?

A Contract Lunar Designer is a professional who creates and develops designs for projects related to lunar exploration or habitation, typically on a contract or freelance basis. Their work may involve designing habitats, vehicles, equipment, or mission layouts intended for use on the Moon. They collaborate with engineers, scientists, and space agencies to ensure that their designs are feasible, safe, and meet specific mission requirements. Contract Lunar Designers need a strong background in engineering, architecture, or industrial design, along with specialized knowledge of space environments. This role is critical in advancing lunar missions and ensuring the success of future human and robotic activities on the Moon.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract lunar designer?

To thrive as a Contract Lunar Designer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, planetary science, and architectural design, often supported by a relevant engineering or architecture degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and simulation platforms, as well as knowledge of lunar environment standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing safe, innovative, and feasible solutions for lunar habitats and infrastructure in challenging extraterrestrial environments.

What is the difference between Contract Lunar Design vs Contract Spacecraft Design?

AspectContract Lunar DesignContract Spacecraft Design
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized in lunar environmentsEngineering degree, specialized in spacecraft systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning for lunar surface conditions, collaboration with lunar missionsDesigning for spaceflight, collaboration with satellite and spacecraft projects
Industry UsageSpace agencies, lunar exploration companiesSpace agencies, satellite and space vehicle manufacturers
Common Search IntentComparing roles in lunar missionsComparing roles in spacecraft development

Contract Lunar Design focuses on creating systems and components suitable for lunar surface conditions, often involving specialized knowledge of lunar geology and environment. Contract Spacecraft Design covers a broader range of space vehicles, including satellites and deep-space probes. While both roles require aerospace engineering credentials and work within the space industry, their specific focus areas differ, making each role unique in its application and expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Lunar Design jobs in Springfield, VA? For Contract Lunar Design jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Contract Lunar Design jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Contract Lunar Design job openings:
Contract Lunar Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Lunar Design job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,968 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Deep Space Comms, Tracking & Cislunar SDA Analyst

Space Systems Integration

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

SSI is seeking a Deep Space Comms, Tracking & Cislunar SDA Analyst to join our team in Chantilly, VA.

This role will advise government leadership on Space Domain Awareness (SDA),
deep space tracking, radio frequency (RF)/optical communication architectures, and
ground network integration.

The ideal candidate will provide critical technical oversight and advisory support for advanced national security space missions. The candidate will have expertise in complex multi-body dynamics and advanced orbit determination techniques required for tracking, characterizing, and maintaining custody of objects in the cislunar regime.

The ideal candidate will also have a strong focus on advanced multi-phenomenology observational technologies as well as possess expertise in electro-optical (EO) and/or passive radio frequency (RF) sensing, observational astronomy, and cutting-edge telescope/receiver design to support the detection, tracking, and characterization of faint objects and signals in the cislunar regime. 

Role and Responsibilities include:

  • Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system-level requirements for assigned systems and the design features that satisfy these requirements.
  • Support full lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and customer requirements.
  • Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details to meet program requirements and objectives.
  • Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and contractors.
  • Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports, design artifacts, and program plans.
  • Serve as a system engineering liaison to other divisions in the SPO.
  • Conduct trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities.
  • Support acquisition documentation development (CDRLs, SOWs, MPPs, etc) related to ground systems.
  • Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.
  • Resolve highly complex and multi-dimensional problems requiring consideration of variables that impact multiple aspects of the project/program.
  • Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.
  • Provide technical insight for EO/RF sensor designs.
  • Evaluate contractor system architectures.
  • Assess the utility and integration of commercial SDA data sources.
  • Support the transition of next-generation cislunar capabilities into operational enterprise frameworks.
Required Qualifications:
  • Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a Polygraph. 
  • Bachelor's and fourteen (14) years or more experience, or Master's and twelve (12) years or more experience. 
  • Technical & Capability Requirements:
    • Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA): Technical knowledge of detecting, tracking, and maintaining custody of dim targets in non-traditional observation geometries, high luminance backgrounds, and lunar exclusion zones.
    • Orbit Determination (OD): Evaluation of vendor tracking capabilities using non-cued optical, RF, ranging, and Doppler measurements in deep space.
    • Communications & Link Budgets: Technical review of long-range X-band, Ka-band, and deep-space optical/laser communication systems and link budgets across 400,000+ km baseline distances.
    • Protocol & Ground Integration: Familiarity with Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN), Unified Data Library (UDL) data ingest, and ground network scheduling (e.g., NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) or commercial lunar data networks).
    • SETA Oversight Duties: Evaluates vendor RF/Optical payload performance
      specifications, sensor integration trades, and ground infrastructure readiness.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
  • Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite ground systems.
  • Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.
  • Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
  • Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
  • Previous SAP experience Preferred.
  • Travel is 10%
Target salary range: $180,000 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution. 

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