Space Systems and Orbit Determination Operations Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Space systems engineer supporting orbit determination, sensors, and mission analysis at The Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded space research center. Developing algorithms and modeling space surveillance operations for national security customers.

Posted 9/7/2026full-timeColorado Springs • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in astrodynamic analysis, algorithm development, and modeling and simulation for space surveillance systems. Proficient in Orbit Determination, PNT operations, and sensor tracking, with strong analytical and communication skills.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Astrodynamic AnalysisAlgorithm DevelopmentModeling And SimulationOrbit DeterminationPNT Operations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

JavaC++PythonMATLABCFORTRANFiltering AlgorithmsEO Sensor SystemsRadar Sensor SystemsMachine Learning

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationIndependent WorkEffective Interaction

Tools & Technologies

Modeling ToolsSimulation ToolsAnalytical Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Security ClearanceTS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

Space SurveillanceSpace SystemsDirected Energy Threat MitigationSignal IntegritySpace Protection

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++JavaPythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide astrodynamic analytical support, algorithm development, systems engineering and architecting, and modeling and simulation analysis for space surveillance systems and missions
Conduct analysis using in-house, custom, commercially available, and government-provided modeling tools
Advise stakeholders and government customers through analyses related to orbit determination, target tracking, GNSS analysis, and signal integrity
Perform analytical studies and tests; develop specifications; prepare analytical report findings; assist with planning and development of studies and design projects
Analyze EO, IR, radar, and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms
Perform space protection and space threat susceptibility, vulnerability, and resiliency assessments
Support space systems exercises and evaluate exercise and training requirements
Apply modeling and simulation to mission operations
Become proficient in SDA, BMC2, space control, and orbit determination
Independently evaluate, select, and adapt or modify techniques, procedures, and criteria
Devise new approaches to encountered problems
Maintain frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts on important matters

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace and Astronautics Engineering, physics, math or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis and/or algorithm development
Software development experience and proven capabilities in at least one of: Java, C++, Python, MATLAB, C, or FORTRAN
Applicable skills in designing and building filtering algorithms for Orbit Determination and PNT operations
Good interpersonal communication skills and ability to work independently and interact effectively with Aerospace and contractor personnel
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the US government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Transcripts required
PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace and Astronautics Engineering, physics, math or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) — listed under How you can stand out
Experience in Orbit Determination, filtering, PNT analyses, and sensor tracking — listed under How you can stand out
Background in modeling of EO and radar sensor systems — listed under How you can stand out
Familiarity and analytical experience with directed energy threat mitigation concepts for EO and Infrared IR sensor and sensor concepts — listed under How you can stand out
Background in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applied to space systems data problems — listed under How you can stand out
Experience researching, developing, and applying advanced and innovative techniques for algorithm development for directed energy threat detection and reporting — listed under How you can stand out
Current TS/SCI clearance — listed under How you can stand out

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect