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How much do nasa astrodynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for nasa astrodynamics in the United States is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is astrodynamics and what does a NASA astrodynamics specialist do?

Astrodynamics is the study of the motion of objects in space, such as satellites, spacecraft, and celestial bodies, under the influence of gravity and other forces. NASA astrodynamics experts use mathematical models and computer simulations to predict spacecraft trajectories, plan missions, and ensure the safe and efficient travel of spacecraft in the solar system. They play a crucial role in mission design, orbit determination, and collision avoidance, making their work essential for the success of NASA's space exploration initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA astrodynamics specialist?

To thrive as a NASA Astrodynamics Specialist, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and aerospace engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Proficiency in orbital mechanics software (such as GMAT or STK), programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and experience with mission analysis tools are essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork distinguish high performers in this field. These skills are critical for accurately modeling spacecraft trajectories, ensuring mission success, and collaborating on complex space exploration projects.

How does a NASA astrodynamics specialist typically collaborate with mission design and operations teams?

As an astrodynamics specialist at NASA, collaboration with mission design and operations teams is essential throughout a mission’s lifecycle. You’ll work closely with engineers, spacecraft navigators, and mission planners to develop and refine trajectories, analyze orbital mechanics, and ensure mission objectives are achievable within constraints. Regular meetings and real-time problem-solving are common, especially during mission planning and critical maneuvers. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial for integrating astrodynamics solutions with spacecraft engineering and operational requirements.

What is the difference between Nasa Astrodynamics vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectNasa AstrodynamicsAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in aerospace, physics, or related field; advanced knowledge in orbital mechanicsDegree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; specialized in design and testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, mission control, space agencies like NASADesign labs, manufacturing facilities, aerospace companies
Industry UsagePrimarily in space mission planning, orbital trajectory analysis

Nasa Astrodynamics focuses on calculating and optimizing spacecraft trajectories and orbital mechanics, often within space agencies like NASA. Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft, applying engineering principles to create new technologies. While both roles require a strong background in physics and engineering, astrodynamics is specialized in orbital mechanics and mission planning, whereas aerospace engineering covers a broader scope of aircraft and spacecraft design and development.

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What job categories do people searching Nasa Astrodynamics jobs look for?

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Nasa Astrodynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Astrodynamics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,249 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Navigation Engineer (5-8 yrs) with Security Clearance

Advanced Space

Westminster, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Advanced Space | Full-time | Hybrid We're going to the Moon. Think you've got what it takes? About the Role At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're looking for a Navigation Engineer with 5-8 years of experience to help develop advanced spacecraft navigation solutions for some of the most ambitious missions in the space industry. In this role, you'll develop navigation algorithms, perform orbit determination analyses, and support mission-critical navigation systems across multiple flight programs. You'll contribute to missions including NASA's CAPSTONE™ spacecraft operating in a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) around the Moon and Oracle, AFRL's lunar space situational awareness mission, while helping shape the future of cislunar exploration. We're looking for someone who thrives in technically challenging environments, enjoys solving complex astrodynamics problems, and is excited to contribute to missions that are flying today-not just concepts. This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available. About Advanced Space Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE™ mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers. Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly, collaborate across disciplines, and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in. What You'll Actually Do Develop and analyze spacecraft navigation solutions. Perform orbit determination, trajectory reconstruction, covariance analysis, and spacecraft navigation assessments that support mission planning, flight operations, and mission success. Build robust estimation architectures. Configure, tune, and validate Kalman filters and other estimation techniques for radiometric, optical, and GPS navigation. Develop and maintain force models, measurement models, and navigation toolchains that support complex mission environments. Support mission operations. Contribute to navigation flight operations through routine orbit determination updates, console support, trajectory monitoring, and operational procedure improvements. Help ensure accurate spacecraft state estimation throughout mission execution. Collaborate across engineering teams. Work closely with mission design, software, systems engineering, and flight dynamics teams while communicating navigation analyses, technical recommendations, and mission performance to customers and internal stakeholders. Help shape future missions. Support navigation planning, technical task identification, proposal development, and internal research initiatives that advance Advanced Space's navigation capabilities and future exploration programs. Who Thrives Here * You have 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, astrodynamics, or a closely related discipline. * You have experience performing orbit determination, trajectory reconstruction, and covariance analysis. * You're comfortable configuring, tuning, and validating Kalman filters or other state estimation techniques. * You have hands-on experience with industry-standard astrodynamics and navigation tools such as MONTE, FreeFlyer, ODTK, GMAT, or STK. * You understand tracking measurements including range, Doppler, optical observations, GPS, or angles-only measurements and how they impact navigation performance. * You have experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools to automate navigation analyses and data processing. * You communicate technical concepts clearly and can present navigation analyses to engineers, customers, and mission teams. * You enjoy collaborating across engineering disciplines and contributing to technically challenging missions. * You take ownership. When you see a challenge, you work with the team to solve it. Bonus Points if You Have Experience With * Leading or supporting spacecraft flight operations * Navigation support during spacecraft development programs * Cislunar, NRHO, Lagrange point, or three-body orbit navigation * MONTE astrodynamics toolkit * Timing systems, clock errors, and navigation error source analysis * Proposal development or IRAD activities * An active or previous security clearance * A Master's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field Success is Measured By * Delivering accurate, reliable navigation solutions throughout mission development and operations. * Producing high-quality orbit determination analyses and state estimation results. * Building and maintaining robust navigation architectures for complex spacecraft missions. * Supporting successful navigation flight operations and mission execution. * Collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams. * Contributing to proposals, technology development, and future mission concepts that expand Advanced Space's capabilities. Why Join Advanced Space * Work on real missions that are shaping the future of lunar and deep-space exploration. * Help develop navigation solutions for cutting-edge spacecraft and mission concepts. * Collaborate with some of the industry's top experts in astrodynamics, autonomy, and mission design. * Be part of a growing company where your technical contributions have a direct impact on mission success. * Join a team that's passionate about delivering innovation to orbit-and beyond. Compensation & Benefits * Base Salary: $115,500-$148,400 (based on experience, qualifications, and location) * Signing bonus * Quarterly performance bonuses * Company-sponsored medical benefits and 401(k) * Flexible time off * Relocation assistance Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Get new jobs like this in your inbox We'll email you when Advanced Space posts a job like this one. Create alert

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