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Spacecraft Analyst Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astro Digital

$100 - $125/hr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer team supports programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers ... Simulations and analyses of vehicle functions * Test strategies and data evaluation * Lead the ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who ... analysis, requirements tracking, system design and development through system test, installation ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who ... analysis, requirements tracking, system design and development through system test, installation ...

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Spacecraft Analyst Engineer information

What does a spacecraft analyst engineer do?

A Spacecraft Analyst Engineer is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of spacecraft systems and operations. They use data from satellites and other space vehicles to assess functionality, troubleshoot anomalies, and recommend improvements. Their work ensures the safety, efficiency, and success of space missions, collaborating closely with mission control, design engineers, and other specialists. They may also contribute to mission planning, risk assessment, and the development of new technologies for future spacecraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spacecraft analyst engineer?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Analyst Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in spacecraft systems analysis. Proficiency with simulation software such as MATLAB, STK (Systems Tool Kit), and spacecraft modeling tools, along with familiarity with industry standards and certifications like ITAR or NASA procedural requirements, is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and present complex data clearly. These skills are crucial for ensuring mission success, optimizing spacecraft performance, and effectively addressing technical challenges in the highly specialized space sector.

How does a spacecraft analyst engineer typically collaborate with mission operations and other engineering teams?

Spacecraft Analyst Engineers play a crucial role in supporting mission operations by providing technical assessments, monitoring spacecraft health, and analyzing telemetry data. They regularly collaborate with mission operations teams to troubleshoot anomalies, optimize spacecraft performance, and ensure mission objectives are met. Communication with other engineering disciplines, such as systems, software, and propulsion engineers, is common to address complex issues and implement solutions efficiently. This cross-functional teamwork is vital for the successful operation and longevity of spacecraft missions.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Analyst Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSpacecraft Analyst EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications in systems analysisBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation centers, spacecraft testing facilitiesSatellite manufacturing plants, ground station operations, testing labs
Employer & Industry UsageSpace agencies, aerospace contractors, defense firmsSatellite manufacturers, telecom companies, space agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and job dutiesComparing satellite-related engineering roles

Both roles involve aerospace engineering and systems analysis, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications. While Spacecraft Analyst Engineers focus on analyzing spacecraft performance and systems integration, Satellite Systems Engineers concentrate on designing and implementing satellite systems. Both work in related environments and industries, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the project focus.

What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Analyst Engineer jobs?

For Spacecraft Analyst Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sr. Thermal Engineer - Spacecraft Analysis, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Bastrop, TX • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the vehicle-level thermal model for the Starmind satellites.

  • Define environments across the entire vehicle lifecycle and drive heat-rejection architecture trades.

  • Own the system thermal budget and support integrated TVAC/thermal balance tests from prediction to post-test correlation.

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. THERMAL ENGINEER (SPACECRAFT ANALYSIS), AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world's largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Scaling AI in space is a thermal problem as much as a power and processing problem. With a dense compute payload dissipating hundreds of kilowatts, the thermal system must efficiently transfer heat to large radiators that reject it to space, under solar load, eclipse, and multi-mode AI duty cycles.
You will join the Starmind Thermal team, which owns the satellite cooling stack end-to-end. Dense AI compute at hundreds of kilowatts, rejected only by radiation under solar load, eclipse, and multi-mode duty cycles, has never been flown at constellation scale, and the vehicle-level thermal model is how that problem gets defined for everyone else. As a Senior Thermal Engineer focused on spacecraft analysis, you own that model and the mission environments the thermal and broader vehicle team design against: orbital and ground boundary conditions, system thermal budgets, heat-rejection architecture trades, and vehicle-level prediction through ground and TVAC correlation (with flight telemetry as the program matures). You sit where incomplete concepts become clear thermal design criteria, partnering with fluids analysts and hardware owners so margins close in analysis, test, and flight.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own the vehicle-level thermal model for Starmind satellites
  • Define environments across entire vehicle lifecycle, including ground test, launch, operations, and disposal
  • Drive heat-rejection architecture trades: radiator area, mass, optical properties, heater/survival power
  • Own the system thermal budget: dissipation allocation, heater loads, min/max temps vs. limits
  • Own integrated TVAC/thermal balance tests from inputs, to pre-test prediction, instrumentation selection, live test support, through post-test correlation.
  • Define component-level thermal inputs for qualification, reliability, and acceptance testing.
  • Evaluate on-orbit performance to improve model accuracy, drive key hardware upgrades, and increase operational efficiency
  • Automate analysis workflows for re-running trades as designs and environments change

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of professional experience in thermal analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
  • Spacecraft or high-power vehicle-level thermal-fluid modeling in Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT (or equivalent)
  • Steady-state and transient analysis under varied environments, workloads and thermal control modes
  • Hands on hardware TVAC/thermal testing inclusive of instrumentation selection and model correlation
  • Selection of materials and finishes for thermal performance in orbital environments
  • Scripting analysis workflows and post-processing (Python preferred)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
  • Some travel may occasionally be required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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