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Orbit Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and ...

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and ...

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and ...

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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 May 31, 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 job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Orbit Analyst position, and why are they important?

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.

What does a typical day look like for an Orbit Analyst?

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 cities are hiring for Orbit Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Orbit Analyst job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Orbit Analyst jobs? The most popular types of Orbit Analyst jobs are:
What states have the most Orbit Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Orbit Analyst jobs include:
Infographic showing various Orbit Analyst job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, and 64% Contract. Highlights an 17% Physical, and 83% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,606 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Geodetic Orbit Scientist

$76.57K - $141.88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Summary
Geodetic Orbit Scientists monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), acquire and analyze satellite data, produce and maintain the WGS 84 reference frame, and contribute geodetic products (e.g., GNSS orbits) to the DoW, IC, and civilian partners. They plan, develop, evaluate, and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine ephemerides and other information. They
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Duties
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) serves as the world leader in providing timely, relevant, accurate, and actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). NGA's civilian, military, and contract personnel evaluate imagery, maps, charts, multiple layers of foundation data - such as terrain, elevation, and gravity - and the full spectrum of visible and invisible light in order to help users visualize what is happening at a particular place and time. Our intelligence officers go beyond describing 'what, where, and when' to revealing 'how and why.' Our work enables decision advantage for our policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals, and first responders. NGA uses a flexible, high mobility career model. Individuals are hired for their overall skills within a specialty such as Geodetic Orbit Scientist and then placed in various positions throughout the agency once they complete the clearance process. Applicants who have completed the clearance process receive final documentation about the nature of the specific position before they make the final commitment to join NGA.
Highly competitive candidates will have a strong educational background or experience in scientific modeling and statistical analysis, particularly with geodetic or geophysical data. Top applicants will possess direct experience with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including the calculation of Precise Ephemerides, or WGS 84. Proficiency in software and programming languages such as UNIX, MATLAB, C++, or Python is valuable, as well as a history of leading projects and/or managing program resources. There are many different types of positions that require a Geodetic Orbit Science specialty. Work could include data analysis, resource administration, software development, data flow management, writing and reviewing agreements, and/or logistics.
Please Note: This position has a requirement for participation in shift work. Periodic evening and weekend work is required. Overnight shifts are rare, but possible. Employees are expected to be flexible to changing requirements and supportive when crisis responses require schedule changes.
Duties:
1.Identify and analyze geophysical and geodetic orbit data to determine interrelationships and submit recommendations to maintain program requirements.
2.Support continuous data monitoring for GNSS systems. Will require evening and weekend support.
3.Guide research, analysis, and identification of issues by evaluating complex geophysical data sets, identifying deviations in the data, and recommending courses of action
4.Manage program integration, execution and resourcing in support of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Security Investigation

SPECIAL INFO:
As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards.
- U.S. Citizenship
- Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
- Polygraph & Drug Test
- Direct Deposit
- Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs.
Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs.
NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process.
This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility.
Qualifications
MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:
1. Experience with modeling of scientific systems, to include but not limited to Physics, Geophysics, Geology, or Geosciences.
2. Experience communicating to leadership and other stakeholders through written, visual, and/or verbal reporting and presentation
3. Experience working collaboratively as part of a team to ensure that project goals and deadlines are met.
4. Experience identifying, analyzing, and resolving challenging issues.
5. Experience with scientific or statistical analysis, to include but not limited to geophysical data or geodetic data.
6. Experience with computer operating systems, computer networking, coding, and/or database management.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Orbital Mechanics, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus experience in conducting work related to satellite operations, GPS surveying, Geodesy, Geophysics, Wide Area Network analysis, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Distinguish principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better with or without corrective lenses
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
1. Experience with one or more of the following computer systems: UNIX, UNIX scripting, FORTRAN, C, C++, STK, UML, MATLAB MATHEMATICA, and/or Python
2. Experience learning and applying new IT technologies and software.
3. Experience managing the integration, execution, and resource allocation of programs
4. Experience with satellite characteristics (hardware or software), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), WGS 84, and/or Precise Ephemerides calculations.
5. Experience leading teams, programs and/or projects
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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