Astrodynamics Engineer, Principal

Job ID 2616995

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-09-18

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Modeling/Sim Engr

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description Join a mission-driven analysis team supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. Our team is driving development of novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities. Operating within a supportive Government environment, we benefit from frequent direct access to senior Government decision-makers.

SAIC is seeking Astrodynamics Engineers to skillfully solve complex modeling and simulation challenges to deliver critical analyses. Our multi-discipline team collaborates to deliver comprehensive actionable insights to our customers. Success requires expertise in astrodynamics and/or orbit determination , as well as the ability to use programming languages such as Python orC++.

At SAIC’s location in Chantilly, Virginia , our Astrodynamics Engineers work side-by-side with experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, GPUs and more. Astrodynamics Engineers with experience including orbit maneuver design, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and High Performance Computing, will be especially well-prepared to excel. The team’s responsibilities include

• Independent trade studies and technical assessments
• Evaluating results provided by external teams
• Identifying new concepts
• Presenting actionable technical briefings to customers
• Additionally, our astrodynamics analysts may routinely support other prime contracts as necessary

Qualifications Education In the field(s) of Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or a related technical area -Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.

Responsibilities

• Ability to program in Python or C++, or to very quickly learn by transferring skills from a different language
• Must be able to collaborate well with other engineers in a mutually supportive environment
• Must be able to refine analyses if necessary in response to formal internal and external peer reviews

Clearance

• TS/SCI, should have current or be able to pass polygraph test

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.