1

Internship Orbital Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are the developer and sole maintainer of the Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), the ... Coursework, internship, or up to two years of exposure to Space Situational Awareness, satellite ...

We are the developer and sole maintainer of the Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), the ... Coursework, internship, or up to two years of exposure to Space Situational Awareness, satellite ...

$92K - $171K/yr

Job Title: (DoW SkillBridge), Sr. Specialist, Systems Engineering (Orbital Analyst) Job Code: 40322 ... This internship is an opportunity for the service member to gain a full understanding of the job ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Internship Orbital Engineering information

See salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do internship orbital engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship orbital engineering in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship in orbital engineering?

An internship in orbital engineering is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience working with spacecraft, satellite systems, and the technologies involved in orbit design and maintenance. Interns typically assist with tasks such as trajectory analysis, satellite communications, and mission planning under the supervision of experienced engineers. These internships provide valuable exposure to the aerospace industry and can help interns build technical skills, industry connections, and improve their chances of securing a full-time position after graduation.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an intern expect during an internship in orbital engineering?

As an intern in orbital engineering, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects, such as assisting with satellite mission planning, orbital trajectory analysis, and data processing from space missions. Interns often support senior engineers by performing calculations, conducting simulations, and preparing technical documentation. Collaboration is key, as you'll likely work with multidisciplinary teams including aerospace engineers, software developers, and project managers. This environment provides excellent opportunities to learn industry-standard tools and gain exposure to real-world challenges in satellite design and space operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship orbital engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Orbital Engineering Intern, you typically need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often with progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, STK, or CAD tools, as well as basic programming skills, is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for assisting with complex engineering projects, ensuring accurate data analysis, and successfully collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Internship Orbital Engineering vs Internship Aerospace Engineering?

AspectInternship Orbital EngineeringInternship Aerospace Engineering
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineeringEnrolled in or recent graduate of aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering
Work EnvironmentSatellite, spacecraft, and satellite system developmentAircraft, spacecraft, and aeronautical system design
Employer & Industry UsageSpace agencies, satellite companies, aerospace firmsAircraft manufacturers, aerospace firms, defense contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Internship Orbital Engineering and Internship Aerospace Engineering share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on aerospace systems. However, orbital engineering specifically emphasizes satellite and spacecraft in orbit, while aerospace engineering covers a broader range of aircraft and aeronautical systems. Both roles are common in aerospace industries and often compared by students and professionals seeking specialized experience in space or air travel.

More about Internship Orbital Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for Internship Orbital Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Orbital Engineering job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Orbital Engineering jobs?

The most popular types of Orbital Engineering jobs are:

What states have the most Internship Orbital Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Internship Orbital Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Internship Orbital Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Junior Orbital Analyst

Dahlgren, VA โ€ข On-site

Omitron, Inc.
51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
Omitron helps keep space safe and navigable for the nation. We are the developer and sole maintainer of the Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), the mission-critical software suite that serves as the algorithmic engine for high-accuracy spaceflight safety operations across the U.S. Government-providing orbital analysis and conjunction assessment for Space Situational Awareness customers spanning DoD, the Department of Commerce, and NASA. At the 19th Space Defense Squadron in Dahlgren, VA, that mission runs around the clock: tracking objects in orbit, warning of collisions, and preserving the nation's freedom of action in space. We are seeking a talented and motivated Junior Orbital Analyst to join our Dahlgren team at the heart of it, working alongside orbital analysts, engineers, and government operators to deliver the products that enable customer situational awareness and decision-making.
This role suits candidates ranging from early-career analysts to those with several years in the field. Working alongside senior analysts, engineers, and your Site Lead, you will monitor, analyze, and predict the behavior of space objects in an increasingly congested space domain, and apply that analytical foundation in support of the 19 SDS conjunction assessment mission. You will develop and apply proficiency with mission tools and processes, contribute to daily operations, and strengthen the analytical and technical skills that define the field.
This role operates at the intersection of rigorous orbital analysis and practical mission operations. Your work will directly support one of the DoD's core spaceflight safety missions as it evolves to meet a rapidly growing space population.Responsibilities:
As a Junior Orbital Analyst, you are accountable for:
Orbital Analysis and Data Evaluation
  • Analyze and interpret orbital data from ground- and space-based sensors and owner/operator ephemeris sources under the direction of senior analysts.
  • Learn and apply orbit determination techniques to track and predict space object behavior using established mathematical models and tools.
  • Evaluate space surveillance sensors, networks, and observation data, developing an understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
  • Manage orbital and space science data, including non-regular data message formats, and help compile statistics on the current space object population.
Conjunction Assessment Mission Support
  • Support the operators executing the 19 SDS conjunction assessment mission, performing routine analysis tasks and escalating edge cases to senior team members.
  • Follow established conjunction assessment processes and procedures, and help document them accurately as they are refined.
  • Assist in identifying and resolving system and data processing anomalies affecting mission operations, learning troubleshooting techniques from senior staff.
  • Contribute to team efforts that expand mission capability, including integration of owner/operator ephemeris and emerging data sources.
Software Tools and Process Support
  • Support the use, maintenance, and improvement of data processing systems and software tools used in orbital analysis.
  • Build simple scripts and utilities in Python or similar languages to automate routine data processing and analysis tasks.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, analysts, and team leads, and actively seek feedback to grow your technical skills.
Professional Development and Emerging Missions
  • Complete required training pipelines and sustain currency on the tasks needed for steady-state and surge operations.
  • Build foundational knowledge across SDA mission areas, with potential to grow into emerging areas such as cislunar SDA operations, launch conjunction assessment, and proximity operations as skills mature.
Minimum Requirements:
  • US Citizenship required
  • Security Clearance: Active DoD Secret clearance required. Candidates must be willing to complete a background investigation and application for upgrade to a TS/SCI clearance.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Astrodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field; or one of the following:
    • Associate's degree with 2 years of relevant work experience
    • 4+ years of relevant work experience
  • Experience:
    • Coursework, internship, or up to two years of exposure to Space Situational Awareness, satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, or collision avoidance
    • Foundational understanding of orbit determination and orbital mechanics, with the ability to apply core concepts to real-world problems
    • Basic understanding of space surveillance and tracking systems, such as radar and optical sensors, including their general capabilities and limitations
    • Basic proficiency, or a demonstrated willingness to learn, a scripting language such as Python, Perl, or shell
    • Willingness to learn to compile and analyze statistics on the current space object population and to work with non-regular data message formats
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, & PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's degree in Astrodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, with 2 or more years of relevant experience.
  • Experience:
    • Familiarity with conjunction assessment concepts, including probability of collision, covariance, and screening methodologies
    • Familiarity with Space Force's Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW) or similar astrodynamics mission software
    • Familiarity with Python numerical libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and SciPy
    • Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems, particularly Red Hat or SUSE
    • Exposure to cislunar astrodynamics, including three-body dynamics and the challenges of tracking objects beyond GEO
    • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills and an eagerness to grow through hands-on mission work
Working Relationships
  • Reports to: Site Lead, Dahlgren
  • Collaborates with: Site orbital analysts, engineers, and team leads across the Dahlgren site
  • Customer Interface: 19 SDS mission operators and government technical leadership, and Prime program personnel, as delegated
Schedule and Environment
  • On-site position in a secured classified facility at Dahlgren, VA, supporting the 19th Space Defense Squadron.
  • Primarily standard business hours; periodic support outside normal business hours may be required to support mission operations and high-interest events.
About Omitron
Omitron is an Aerospace Engineering and Information Technology small business headquartered in Beltsville, Maryland, with a field office in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and personnel at operational sites nationwide. Since 1984, Omitron has provided excellence in engineering services and product development to government and industry customers across civilian and military aerospace programs.
Omitron recognizes that outstanding people are the key to our success. We select highly qualified, motivated individuals and give them the environment they need to do work that matters, alongside competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and real career growth.
Omitron is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We strongly encourage women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
Benefits include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • HSA or FSA accounts
  • Company-paid Short-Term/Long-Term Disability and AD&D insurance
  • Paid Federal Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Supplemental insurance options (AFLAC, Voluntary Life)
  • Professional Development Reimbursement
E-Verify Participation.