Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III Verified today
About the Role
Quantum Space is seeking an experienced Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis across the mission lifecycle. You will work with systems engineering, GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop high-fidelity flight dynamics capabilities.
What You Will Do
Mission Design and Analysis
- Lead mission design activities for LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar missions
- Perform trajectory and maneuver design
- Conduct delta-v and propellant budgeting
- Plan orbit maintenance and disposal
- Execute navigation covariance sensitivity studies
- Run launch injection dispersion and maneuver execution Monte Carlo analyses
Mission-Level Simulation and Performance
- Own end-to-end mission performance analysis
- Analyse eclipse and payload coverage
- Assess conjunction and collision avoidance
- Evaluate ground station visibility and link budgets
- Assess tracking geometry and mission operations schedules
Navigation and Flight Dynamics
- Architect navigation solutions and inform spacecraft tracking measurement selection
- Develop and maintain flight dynamics and mission analysis tools in Python, MATLAB, or C++
- Support spacecraft operations including maneuver planning and anomaly investigation
- Evaluate on-orbit performance
- Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field
- 5-10+ years of experience performing mission design, mission analysis, and flight dynamics operations for spacecraft systems
- Strong background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and spacecraft navigation
- Experience with industry standard tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Orbit Determination Toolkit (ODTK), Freeflyer, or GMAT
- Experience in Python or MATLAB
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desired Experience
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with focus in Astrodynamics or Estimation
- Cislunar three-body trajectory design and navigation
- Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) mission design including relative orbit design and navigation
- Low-thrust and hybrid propulsion spacecraft mission design
- Alternative spacecraft navigation forms such as optical navigation or inter-satellite links
- Exposure to spacecraft subsystems including GNC, propulsion, or flight software
Compensation and Benefits
- Base Salary: $125,000 - $175,000
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching
- Equity grants included in majority of full time offers
Location
Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA or Tulsa, OK
Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.