ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Orbit Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Globalstar

Senior Mission Analyst

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/hr

Today, leveraging its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Globalstar reliably connects and protects assets, transmits key operational data, and saves lives - from any location - for ...

Globalstar

Senior Mission Analyst

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Today, leveraging its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Globalstar reliably connects and protects assets, transmits key operational data, and saves lives - from any location - for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOrbit JobsOrbit Jobs in California

Orbit information

What are orbit jobs?

Orbit jobs refer to positions within companies or organizations that are focused on managing, developing, or supporting satellite operations, space missions, or technologies related to Earth's orbit. These roles can include satellite engineers, mission controllers, aerospace technicians, and analysts who monitor and maintain satellites or plan space missions. Orbit jobs are critical to industries such as telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and space exploration, requiring specialized knowledge in aerospace engineering, physics, and data analysis. Professionals in these positions often work for agencies like NASA, private space companies, or satellite service providers.

What is the difference between Orbit vs Satellite Technician?

AspectOrbitSatellite Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in satellite or communication technologyAssociate degree or technical certification in satellite systems or electronics
Work EnvironmentFieldwork installing, maintaining, and repairing satellite systemsFieldwork and sometimes lab work focusing on satellite equipment
Industry UsageTelecommunications, satellite service providersSatellite service providers, electronics repair shops
Common Search/ComparisonOrbit vs Satellite Technician

Both Orbit and Satellite Technician roles involve working with satellite systems, requiring similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in the job focus: Orbit technicians often work on satellite deployment and orbit management, while Satellite Technicians focus on installation and repair of satellite equipment. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role in the satellite and telecommunications industry.

What are some common challenges faced by orbit product managers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Orbit product managers often work closely with engineering, design, and marketing teams to bring products to market. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of priorities among team members with different expertise and perspectives. Balancing stakeholder expectations while keeping projects on schedule requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Regular meetings, transparent documentation, and fostering a collaborative environment are crucial for overcoming these challenges and driving successful product outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orbital engineer?

To thrive as an Orbital Engineer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with orbital mechanics software (like GMAT or STK), CAD tools, and possibly certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills are highly valued in this role. These abilities are essential for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and success of satellite and spacecraft missions.

Is orbit a good place to work?

Orbit is a technology company that offers roles in software development, customer support, and project management. The work environment emphasizes collaboration and innovation, with opportunities for skill development and career growth. Employee reviews suggest a generally positive workplace culture, though experiences can vary by role and location.
What job categories do people searching Orbit jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Orbit jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Orbit jobs? Cities in California with the most Orbit job openings:
Orbit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Orbit job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

GNC Orbit Controls Engineer

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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.

Apply