Space Systems Engineer / Orbital Analyst

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking candidates for a Space Systems Engineer / Orbital Analyst who will directly support the 18th Space Defense Squadron and the U.S. Space Forces for Space field command located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, in space protection, orbital analysis, data analysis, space defense, and satellite conjunction assessment. The engineer provides expertise in Space Defense Awareness (SDA), solving various operational orbital mechanics problems and to process data for orbit states and predictions. Coordinates and integrates relevant information and findings across multiple functional areas to develop and deliver products enabling customer situational awareness and decisions. While this position will accomplish most tasks Monday through Friday, normal day hours, due to the non-routine operations environment, work may be required outside those time. This position may on occasion require some crew-based shift work.

Duties include:

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog required as part of the evolving SDA mission.
• Execute operational functions to include space flight safety, defensive space control, intelligence analysis, and operational, technical and engineering support to national security space programs. 
• Review and prepare responses for applicable government policies, plans, procedures and technical documentation, as well as collaborate with other space operations centers and space acquisition offices.  
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Ability to interpret, draft, discuss, and implement US government-wide space policy with members from various USG agencies in a collaborative environment.
• Understanding of space object tracking sensors, networks, and data, including capabilities and limitations.
• Familiarity with Linux-based OS, Particularly Red Hat Linux.
• Familiarity with Space Force’s Astrodynamics Support Workstation software or similar tools.
• Ability to apply knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to operations, including orbit determination and maintenance, general and special perturbation-based data and formats, orbit decay, and orbital maneuvers for station keeping and change of station.
• Ability to apply orbital mechanics to real world problems. General understanding of methods of orbit determination and prediction, and use of orbital state data.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and be proficient in MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint).

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI w/Poly.
• 9 years of relevant experience; 7 years with a Master or 4 years with PhD.
• Experience involving Space Situational Awareness, satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment. Real-time analysis and solution of technical and operational problems is required for this position.

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

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site.

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.