Space Systems Operations Engineer – Orbit Determination

The Aerospace Corporation

Aerospace Engineer in the Space Control and Awareness Department providing technical support for space domain awareness and navigation systems analysis. Engaging with stakeholders on analytic studies and collaborations in space mission operations.

Posted 6/19/2026full-timeChantilly • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $86,600 - $129,800 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide support for space domain awareness and PNT mission areas through analysis, algorithm development, systems engineering, and modeling and simulation (M&S)
Advise and support key stakeholders and government customers by planning, executing, and reporting on analytic studies
Provide astrodynamic analytical support, algorithm development, systems engineering and architecting, and modeling and simulation analysis for space surveillance systems and missions
Conduct analyses leveraging in-house, commercial, and government-provided M&S and analysis capabilities
Develop system specifications, conduct tests, support exercises, and evaluate training requirements for space systems
Perform orbit determination, target tracking, and navigation analyses using Kalman filtering and other estimation techniques
Analyze EO, IR, radar, and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms
Conduct space protection, threat susceptibility, vulnerability, and resiliency assessments
Develop proficiency across SDA, PNT, BMC2, and space control mission areas
Independently evaluate, select, adapt, and develop techniques and approaches to solve novel problems
Collaborate with inter-organizational teams and external customers on matters of technical importance

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related technical discipline
Two (2) years of applicable aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics experience
Experience in M&S, analysis, and/or algorithm development
Software development experience and proven capabilities in at least one of the following programming languages; Java, C++, Python, MATLAB, C, or FORTRAN
Experience with and knowledge of filtering algorithms and state estimation techniques
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work independently and interact effectively with Aerospace and contractor personnel
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

algorithm developmentsystems engineeringmodeling and simulationorbit determinationtarget trackingnavigation analysisKalman filteringfiltering algorithmsstate estimation techniquessoftware development

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillsindependent workcollaboration

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineeringBachelor’s degree in physicsBachelor’s degree in mathematicssecurity clearance