Junior Optical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position OverviewOmitron 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 OmitronOmitron 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

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