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Orbital Analyst Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Orbital Analyst schooling (i.e. Space 100, 200, 300, Advance Orbital Mechanics, Orbital Analyst Training Course or similar) * Advanced proficiency in MS word and PowerPoint * Superior oral & written ...

Orbital Analyst schooling (i.e. Space 100, 200, 300, Advance Orbital Mechanics, Orbital Analyst Training Course or similar) * Advanced proficiency in MS word and PowerPoint * Superior oral & written ...

Showing results 21-40

Orbital Analyst information

See Reston, VA salary details

$30.7K

$74.4K

$128K

How much do orbital analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for orbital analyst in Reston, VA is $74,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $82,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an orbital analyst?

An Orbital Analyst is responsible for tracking and predicting the movement of satellites, spacecraft, and other objects in space. They use mathematical models and simulation tools to analyze orbital trajectories, assess potential collisions, and ensure safe operation of space missions. Their work is critical for satellite communication, defense applications, and space exploration. Orbital Analysts often collaborate with engineers, mission planners, and government agencies to support space situational awareness and mission success.

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

To thrive as an Orbital Analyst, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and astrodynamics, typically supported by a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Proficiency with orbital simulation software, satellite tracking tools, and programming languages like MATLAB or Python is highly valued, along with certifications such as Security Clearance when required. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities help you excel in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments. These skills are vital to ensure the accurate monitoring and prediction of satellite trajectories, contributing to effective mission planning and space asset management.

What are typical challenges faced by orbital analysts in their daily work?

Orbital Analysts frequently encounter challenges related to rapidly changing space environments, such as adapting to new satellite launches, collision avoidance alerts, and unexpected orbital maneuvers. You may need to analyze large data sets in time-sensitive situations, often collaborating closely with engineers, mission planners, and military or commercial space operators. Staying up-to-date with advancements in orbital mechanics and tracking technologies is also essential to maintain accuracy. Overcoming these challenges requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication within a multidisciplinary team, making the work both dynamic and rewarding for those who thrive on problem-solving.

What are popular job titles related to Orbital Analyst jobs in Reston, VA?

For Orbital Analyst jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Orbital Analyst jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Orbital Analyst jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Orbital Analyst jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Orbital Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Orbital Analyst job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,397 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Engineering Analyst- Directed Energy (Laser)

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 224 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities
Help safeguard some of the nation's most critical space capabilities. As an Engineering Analyst specializing in Laser Deconfliction and Space Mission Assurance, you will support a high-priority national security space warfighting mission by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating threats that could impact mission-critical space and ground assets.
As a key member of the Flight Safety Engineering team, you will conduct advanced orbital and directed-energy threat analyses to assess potential hazards posed by terrestrial and space-based systems. Your work will directly support mission operators, planners, and decision-makers by providing timely warnings, risk assessments, and technical recommendations that protect operational assets and ensure mission continuity.
This role combines astrodynamics, flight safety, operational engineering, and threat analysis to deliver mission-critical products that enable safe and effective space operations. You will also help shape the future of mission protection by integrating new data sources, refining operational procedures, improving analytical capabilities, and supporting the development of next-generation mission systems.
The ideal candidate is a technically skilled problem-solver with a strong understanding of orbital dynamics, flight safety operations, and space-domain threats who thrives in a fast-paced national security environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct routine and time-sensitive conjunction assessments (CA) and directed-energy (laser) deconfliction analyses to identify and mitigate threats to mission-critical space and ground assets.
  • Validate and assess the integrity of orbital and mission data used to support flight safety, mission protection, and operational decision-making.
  • Develop, maintain, and deliver deconfliction products, risk assessments, and operational recommendations to support asset protection and mission assurance objectives.
  • Create and refine operational procedures, checklists, and workflows that improve mission effectiveness, asset protection, and analytical consistency.
  • Support the integration and operational adoption of new data sources, analytical tools, and mission systems.
  • Improve tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) supporting flight safety, space domain awareness, and mission protection operations.
  • Monitor emerging space-domain threats and maintain awareness of current operational risks affecting mission assets.
  • Analyze pre-launch and post-launch Two-Line Element (TLE) data, state vectors, trajectories, and hypothetical burn ephemerides using the latest Resident Space Object (RSO) catalog information to identify and mitigate collision and operational risks.
  • Operate advanced orbital analysis and propagation software to generate accurate mission products and support operational planning activities.
  • Deliver technical assessments and reports to mission operators, planners, engineers, and senior decision-makers.
  • Participate in flight safety reviews, technical working groups, mission planning sessions, training activities, and operational exercises.
  • Support training, mission readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives across the broader mission protection enterprise.

This position is contingent upon contract award.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA
  • 2+ years of experience using flight safety and orbital analysis tools such as Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), SuperCombo, Systems Tool Kit (STK), or comparable mission systems.
    • STK Level II Certification may be substituted for relevant tool experience.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph
Preferred Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience supporting conjunction assessment, laser deconfliction, flight safety operations, space mission assurance, systems engineering, or operational space missions.
  • Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, flight safety operations, and space mission planning.
  • Knowledge of foreign and domestic space and ground-based threat capabilities.
  • Experience supporting Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, or national security space missions.
  • Experience integrating operational requirements into technical system development efforts.
  • Strong analytical, technical writing, and briefing skills.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with military, civilian, engineering, and operational stakeholders across all organizational levels.

Worklocation:
  • Fort Belvoir

Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

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At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017