Astrodynamics Aerospace Engineer Lead

Kforce's client in McLean, VA is seeking an Astrodynamics Aerospace Engineer Lead to provide technical leadership and advanced analysis supporting complex space and aerospace systems. Summary: This role focuses on astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, space situational awareness, space protection, threat analysis, mission planning, and aerospace modeling and simulation. You'll evaluate emerging technologies, develop complex analytical models, assess mission risks, and work closely with software and engineering teams to advance space capabilities. The ideal candidate is a senior aerospace engineer or astrodynamics subject matter expert with extensive experience in orbital analysis, space data processing, mathematical modeling, and mission analysis. Key Responsibilities:

• Lead orbital analysis, visualization, space protection, and threat-analysis activities
• Perform advanced astrodynamics and orbital mechanics modeling to support mission planning and decision-making
• Process and analyze space data, including correlation, propagation, and association
• Develop complex mathematical models using calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and numerical methods
• Use Systems Tool Kit (STK), MATLAB, Python, and other technical tools to model and analyze aerospace systems
• Assess mission risks involving collision avoidance, maneuver planning, and anomaly resolution
• Evaluate new technologies and recommend improvements to aerospace and space systems
• Provide technical leadership for astrodynamics and space-related engineering activities
• Perform space protection and adversarial threat analyses
• Collaborate directly with software engineers to translate astrodynamics requirements and analysis into software capabilities
• Support distributed engineering teams in developing and improving advanced space technologies

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Astronomy, Astrodynamics, Statistics, Orbital Mechanics, Mathematics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 10+ years of aerospace engineering experience, or

Doctorate in one of these disciplines with 5+ years of aerospace engineering experience

• Demonstrated experience leading orbital analysis, visualization development, space protection, and threat analysis for multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with space data processing, correlation, propagation, and association supporting mission planning and tasking
• Experience identifying and mitigating risks associated with space missions, including collision avoidance, maneuver planning, and anomaly resolution
• Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information

Experience applying advanced mathematics, including:

• Calculus
• Differential equations
• Linear algebra
• Numerical methods

Experience with astrodynamics software and programming tools such as:

• Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• MATLAB
• Python, including libraries such as Astropy
• Java
• C/C++

Preferred:

• Extensive astrodynamics domain analysis supporting software development and engineering efforts
• Knowledge of the space environment and its impact on spacecraft, including radiation, micrometeoroids, and orbital debris
• Knowledge of feedback control and classical mechanics
• Familiarity with space regulations, licensing requirements, and international agreements
• Experience partnering directly with software engineering teams to investigate, develop, and enhance technical capabilities
• Experience supporting geographically distributed engineering teams

Deep knowledge of orbital dynamics and celestial mechanics, including:

• Kepler's laws
• Orbital perturbations
• Orbital maneuvers
• Elliptical, circular, and geostationary orbits