{"id":2228357,"url":"https://alion.io/job/saic-principal-astrodynamics-engineer","title":"Principal Astrodynamics Engineer","company":{"id":58788,"name":"SAIC","domain":"saic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/saic","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Oracle","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":53,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.981,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":12,"computed_at":"2026-10-13T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"lead","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Chantilly, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":128000,"max_usd":258000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":1562},"experience_years_min":9,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"GMAT","optional":true},{"name":"HPC","optional":true},{"name":"Orekit","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-18T02:14:50Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-18","last_verified_at":"2026-10-13T22:33:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":25,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":25},"description":"SAIC is seeking a Principal Astrodynamics Engineer to join a mission-driven analysis team in Chantilly, VA, supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. Our team drives the development and evaluation of novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities, operating within a highly engaged Government environment with frequent access to senior decision-makers. This role focuses on complex modeling and simulation, orbit analysis, and mission assessments, working side-by-side with experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, GPUs, and more.\nResponsibilities include, but are not limited to:\nLead complex astrodynamics and orbit determination modeling and simulation efforts to support current and future satellite mission concepts.\nPerform independent trade studies and technical assessments, and critically evaluate results provided by external teams.\nDesign and analyze orbit maneuvers, including Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and related mission operations.\nDevelop, implement, and refine analysis tools and algorithms using Python or C++ (or quickly transition from another programming language), potentially leveraging high-performance and GPU-based computing environments.\nCollaborate closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team in a mutually supportive environment, incorporating feedback from formal internal and external peer reviews to refine analyses.\nPresent clear, actionable technical briefings and recommendations to senior Government customers and program stakeholders, and support additional prime contracts as needed.\n Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field and 9+ years of relevant experience; OR\nMaster’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of relevant experience; OR\nPhD in a related field and 4+ years of relevant experience.\nDemonstrated experience in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, spacecraft mission analysis, and/or orbit determination.\nAbility to program in Python or C++, or to very quickly learn by transferring skills from another programming language.\nExperience conducting independent technical analyses, trade studies, or mission assessments, and refining work products in response to formal peer review.\nStrong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary engineering team.\nStrong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation and delivery of concise technical briefings.\nClearance Requirements:\nActive TS/SCI clearance is required.\nMust have, or be willing and able to successfully complete, a polygraph examination as required by the customer.\nMust be willing and able to work on-site in Chantilly, VA, within a secure Government environment.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nExperience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community satellite programs, particularly in an analysis, SETA, or FFRDC-like environment.\nHands-on experience with orbit maneuver design, RPO analysis, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, and space domain awareness.\nExperience leveraging high-performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated computing, or cloud-based environments for large-scale simulations.\nFamiliarity with astrodynamics and mission analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit, or similar.\nPrior experience leading small technical teams or acting as a technical lead on complex analysis efforts.\nPhysical Requirements:\nWork is primarily performed in an office or secure SCIF environment in Chantilly, VA.\nAbility to work at a computer for extended periods performing detailed analytical and modeling tasks.\nMay require occasional local or CONUS travel for customer meetings, reviews, or collaboration with other teams.\n2026.10.1","description_format":"text","description_chars":3820,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":9,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Digital Government","Systems Integrators","Engineering 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