Space Domain Awareness Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Evaluate risks to satellite operations from interference, optical threats, debris, collisions, and counterspace activities .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $117,300 - $226,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in modeling and simulation for satellite operations, including risk assessment and algorithm development. Proven ability to lead technical teams and collaborate with government and industry stakeholders in complex aerospace environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Modeling And SimulationOrbit DeterminationElectro-Optical Sensor ExpertiseProgramming Proficiency In PythonTS/SCI Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Algorithm DevelopmentFiltering AlgorithmsPNT OperationsSatellite OperationsSignal Integrity AnalysisElectromagnetic InterferenceCollision Avoidance ModelingDebris Risk ModelingSpace Mission ArchitecturesSpace Object Cataloguing

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsLeadership SkillsCollaborative Work Style

Tools & Technologies

MATLABC++JavaCFORTRANSpace Surveillance Network (SSN) Sensors

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. CitizenshipTS/SCI Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

AerospaceElectronic WarfareOrbital WarfareDirected EnergyDoD Systems DesignIntelligence AnalysisMilitary Operations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaPythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Evaluate risks to satellite operations from interference, optical threats, debris, collisions, and counterspace activities
Contribute to electronic warfare, orbital warfare, and directed energy mission planning and analysis
Use custom, commercial, and government tools to model and simulate complex space scenarios
Evaluate electro-optical, infrared, radar, and passive RF sensor concepts and architectures
Perform analyses related to orbit determination, target tracking, GNSS analysis, and signal integrity
Participate in operational simulations and wargaming that shape future space strategies
Provide technical leadership on modeling and simulation efforts while guiding early-career engineers
Collaborate with government customers, program offices, and technical teams across Colorado Springs, El Segundo, Chantilly, and beyond

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
Minimum of 6 years of engineering or aerospace experience
For Sr. Engineering Specialist: Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Astronomy, or related field, OR Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience
Experience with modeling, simulation, and/or algorithm development
Skills in designing and building filtering algorithms for Orbit Determination and PNT operations
Experience with satellite operations and/or modelling and simulation of operational risk to satellites
Proficiency in at least one programming language: Python, MATLAB, C++, Java, C, or FORTRAN
Experience organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute projects or studies
Exceptional interpersonal verbal and written communication skills
Ability to support periodic travel within the continental United States
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Experience with DoD and/or IC systems design and space mission architectures
Proven ability to collaborate with discipline experts to develop technical positions, provide risk assessments, and formulate courses of action
Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative on-site work environment
Active TS/SCI clearance highly desired
Military or operational background in orbit analysis, space control operations, intelligence analysis, or battle management
Familiarity with Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensors or other space surveillance systems
Experience with Orbit Determination, filtering, PNT analyses, and sensor tracking
Command & control (C2) background
EO/IR sensor expertise or active/passive RF collection modeling
Systems engineering or architecture development experience
Collision avoidance and debris risk modelling experience
Familiarity with electromagnetic interference related to spacecraft or launch vehicles
Demonstrated experience in space object cataloguing

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect