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Orbit Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3Harris Technologies

$92K - $171K/yr

The Analyst will operate orbit determination and satellite characterization systems utilizing data from a variety of phenomenology's (radar, passive RF, optical). In addition, it requires knowledge ...

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

This position combines advanced estimation theory, measurement analysis, and hands‑on flight ... Perform orbit determination error budgeting and covariance analysis from early mission design ...

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Orbit Analyst information

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$35K

$75.6K

$132K

How much do orbit analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for orbit analyst in the United States is $75,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an orbit analyst?

An Orbit Analyst is responsible for tracking, analyzing, and predicting the paths of satellites and other space objects. They use mathematical models, software tools, and observational data to ensure the accuracy of orbital trajectories. Their work supports satellite mission planning, collision avoidance, and space situational awareness. Orbit Analysts often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and government agencies to maintain the safety and efficiency of space operations.

What does an orbit analyst do?

A typical day for an Orbit Analyst often involves analyzing satellite telemetry data, predicting orbital paths, and generating reports for mission control or engineering teams. You may use specialized software to model satellite trajectories, assess potential collision risks, and propose maneuvers for maintaining proper orbit. Orbit Analysts frequently collaborate with satellite operators, mission planners, and other analysts to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of space assets. The work is both analytical and collaborative, with opportunities to contribute to real-time decision-making during launches or anomalies. This dynamic environment can lead to career growth in areas like mission planning, space operations management, or technical leadership.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an orbit analyst?

To excel as an Orbit Analyst, a strong background in physics, mathematics, and astrodynamics—often supported by a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field—is essential. Familiarity with satellite tracking software, orbital mechanics simulation tools, and data analysis platforms such as STK or MATLAB is typically required, along with relevant industry certifications. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure precise orbital predictions, timely issue resolution, and successful coordination with mission operators in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

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Orbit Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Orbit Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,606 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

GNC Orbit Controls Engineer

Xona Space Systems

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

We're looking for a GNC Orbit Controls Engineer to design and implement the algorithms and onboard software that handle orbit determination, guidance, maneuver execution, and post-maneuver analysis to deliver safe, efficient, and highly automated station-keeping and disposal. We’re building the software that keeps our spacecraft exactly where they need to be.

What You’ll Do
  • Develop open-loop and closed-loop controllers for altitude management, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal
  • Implement and maintain onboard orbit propagators, select and validate integrators, and ensure numerical consistency with ground truth
  • Build orbit determination pipelines using EKF with GNSS
  • Design burns and long-arc trajectories, and optimize delta V and timelines under comm visibility, power and thermal, and operations constraints
  • Coordinate burn pointing and wheel momentum strategy with ADCS
  • Maintain numerically consistent MATLAB and C++ simulators, create Monte Carlo campaigns, run SIL and HIL tests, and perform post-maneuver reconstruction
Required Qualifications
  • You are familiar with orbital mechanics and simulation and have had exposure with onboard propagators with perturbation models and integrators on flight targets
  • You have GNC software experience in C++ and MATLAB for analysis, modeling, and test-vector generation
  • You have supported real maneuvers and can reconcile plan versus truth with post-burn estimation
  • You are comfortable at the ADCS and propulsion interface for burn pointing and momentum management
Desired Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, Applied Physics, or a related field
  • Familiar with electric propulsion including thrust modeling and calibration, long-burn guidance, duty-cycle planning, and thermal constraints
  • Experience with orbit propagation algorithms
  • Trajectory design and optimization expertise
  • Familiarity with CCSDS ephemeris and attitude formats

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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