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Rocket Trajectory Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Telemetry & Trajectory Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$108K - $195K/yr

Your typical day - Our MDA analysts and engineers work in modern, well-appointed government ... Redstone is located in Huntsville, Alabama, otherwise known as "Rocket City." Huntsville is the hub ...

Astrion

Telemetry & Trajectory Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Your typical day - Our MDA analysts and engineers work in modern, well-appointed government ... Redstone is located in Huntsville, Alabama, otherwise known as "Rocket City." Huntsville is the hub ...

Astrion

Telemetry & Trajectory Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$108K - $160K/yr

Your typical day - Our MDA analysts and engineers work in modern, well-appointed government ... Redstone is located in Huntsville, Alabama, otherwise known as "Rocket City." Huntsville is the hub ...

Astrion

Telemetry & Trajectory Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$2.1K - $2.8K/wk

Your typical day - Our MDA analysts and engineers work in modern, well-appointed government ... Redstone is located in Huntsville, Alabama, otherwise known as "Rocket City." Huntsville is the hub ...

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All JobsRocket Trajectory Analyst Jobs

Rocket Trajectory Analyst information

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$31K

$73.3K

$130K

How much do rocket trajectory analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket trajectory analyst in the United States is $73,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Rocket Trajectory Analysts when working on launch missions?

Rocket Trajectory Analysts often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected vehicle performance variations, and the need to adjust flight paths to ensure safety and mission success. They must work closely with engineers, mission planners, and range safety teams to analyze data, simulate scenarios, and implement real-time adjustments. Keeping up with advances in modeling software and maintaining clear communication within a multidisciplinary team are also key aspects of the role. These demands require strong analytical skills and adaptability in high-stakes environments.

What does a Rocket Trajectory Analyst do?

A Rocket Trajectory Analyst is responsible for calculating and predicting the flight paths of rockets and space vehicles. They use advanced mathematics, physics, and computer simulations to ensure that a rocket follows its intended course and reaches its target safely and efficiently. Their work involves analyzing launch conditions, atmospheric effects, and vehicle performance, and making adjustments to optimize mission success. Rocket trajectory analysts often collaborate with engineers and mission planners to address any potential issues before and during a launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rocket Trajectory Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rocket Trajectory Analyst, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with simulation software (such as MATLAB, STK, or custom trajectory analysis tools), and sometimes security clearance, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional analysts apart in this field. These capabilities are essential for ensuring accurate trajectory predictions, mission success, and safety in high-stakes aerospace operations.
Infographic showing various Rocket Trajectory Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,261 per year, or $35.2 per hour.
Sr. Trajectory Analysis Engineer (Starship)

Sr. Trajectory Analysis Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$140K - $205K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SR. TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

As a Trajectory Analysis Engineer, you will be responsible for finding creative analysis solutions to enable the world's most advanced rockets, including our next-generation Starship vehicle, a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans to Mars and beyond. You will work with a talented team of accomplished engineers to iterate on mission objectives for upcoming and future flights to ensure flight safety objectives are met. You should thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where you adapt quickly and love to solve hard problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Analyze launch vehicle trajectories and vehicle performance in the presence of faults
  • Find creative flight plan solutions to enable mission objectives, while maintaining safe vehicle operation
  • Generate and submit flight safety deliverables
  • Produce and present trajectory analysis products for internal and external partners
  • Interface with internal operations teams, flight reliability teams, hardware teams, and external regulatory partners such as the FAA.
  • Engage in multi-disciplinary vehicle systems investigations to motivate mission design, vehicle architecture, and analysis methodologies
  • Develop and evaluate flight termination system mission rules
  • Support launch and mission operations of vehicles that you enabled
  • Conduct flight data review
  • Automate mission-to-mission trajectory analysis product generation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline AND 5+ years of professional experience 
  • Experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation
  • Experience with the software languages Python or C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 5+ years of professional experience in trajectory analysis and aerodynamics
  • Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems
  • Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
  • Experience with system trades and first-hand knowledge of how requirements tie hardware to larger systems
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    
Trajectory Analysis Engineer/Senior: $140,000.00 - $205,000.00/per year    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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