On-Orbit Test Astrodynamics Engineer

Description

The company's Space Sector is hiring an On-Orbit Test Astrodynamics Engineer based in Colorado Springs, CO, to work on high-stakes missions where you would shape the approach from the start.

Relocation help may be available.

Travel is not part of this role.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run On-Orbit Test activities, including mission planning, scenario design, dry runs and rehearsals, and test execution.
• Prepare before and during tests by writing and reviewing mission plans, running safety of flight analysis, and analysing vehicle phasing.
• Work with vendors, engineers, subject matter experts, orbital analysts, and systems engineers so the test plan is realistic, achievable, and matches customer intent.
• Assess whether tests are feasible within limits, constraints, estimated fuel use, and vehicle capability, while factoring in wider test community goals.
• Serve as Test Director and run on-console operations during On-Orbit Test activities.
• Lead simulator-based testing and help resolve any discrepancies that come up.

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or another STEM field plus 8 years in a related area such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or operations; a master's lowers that to 6 years and a PhD to 4 years.
• Hold an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at the time you apply.
• Bring relevant experience in mission planning, orbital analyst work, or RPO-focused processes.
• Be familiar with running physics-based simulations and post-processing the results.
• Have experience in astrodynamics and orbital mechanics, including numerical propagators and force models for Earth-orbiting vehicles, preferably for geosynchronous vehicles.
• Have an advanced grasp of relative motion problems and RPO mission planning.
• Have experience with navigation filters and image processing algorithms.
• Understand satellite operations disciplines: attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution.
• Preferred: experience in Python and/or MATLAB; C or C++ is also preferred.
• Preferred: understanding of astrodynamics coordinate frames such as ECI and RIC.
• Preferred: background in statistical analysis.
• Preferred: prior work supporting mission simulation, scripting, and verification.
• Preferred: experience troubleshooting, resolving anomalies, and analysing operational systems.
• Preferred: familiarity with COTS astrodynamics analysis tools, FreeFlyer especially.
• Preferred: familiarity with GNC algorithms for satellites.

Conditions

The role is 100% on site with no remote work.

The schedule is a 9/80 pattern, with every other Friday off.

Final clearances and program access must be obtained within a reasonable period set by the company, and the offer depends on this.

Clearance is required to start.

Base salary falls within $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 as a general guide, with final offers based on scope, experience, education, skills, and market conditions.

The application window is estimated at 20 days from the posting date, and may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.

Benefits

• Depending on the role, you may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus on top of base pay.
• Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and let you share in company results.
• Vice President and Director positions may be eligible for long-term incentives.
• Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid company holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business.