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NEXTMOVEFDE careers · United States

Mission Operations and Controls Engineer/Specialist: Orbital Analyst (Clearance Required)

AI summary of the role

Orbital Analyst role on Sierra Space's space operations team, responsible for monitoring spacecraft trajectories, performing orbit determination, collision avoidance analysis, and mission planning.

No longer in the current catalog. Last included 2026-09-09. Check the employer’s posting for availability.

What you’ll do

  • Continuously monitor position and velocity of artificial objects in Earth orbit or deep space using mathematical models and observational data
  • Predict potential close approaches between objects and recommend avoidance maneuvers
  • Design optimal trajectories for spacecraft launches, orbital transfers, and reentries
  • Track and catalog space debris to help prevent dangerous collisions

What you’ll bring

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience) plus 5+ years related experience (or Master's + 3 years)
  • Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance
  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles, requirements management, and V&V
  • Emerging ability to work with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers

Technologies

C · C++ · Python · JavaScript · Ruby · GovCloud · Cloudera · OpenShift · Kubernetes · astrodynamics libraries

About Sierra Space

Builds reusable spaceplanes, expandable habitats, satellite buses, and mission subsystems for NASA, defense, and commercial space customers.

Series C · 1000–2000 people

Source and classification

Internal deployment & tooling · Evidence for this classification:

Earth orbit or deep space, applying mathematical models and observational data to precisely calculate orbital parameters, predicting potential close approaches between objects and recommending necessary avoidance maneuvers, designing optimal trajectories for spacecraft launches, orbital transfers, and reentries, tracking and cataloging space debris to help prevent dangerous collisions, and assessing the risk of collision between various space objects. The candidate will develop and use tools to perform precise orbit determination using specialized software tools. Ability to quickly connect in-person and in writing, and to actively listen and perceive the needs, values or opinions of others. Proactivity in identifying and addressing challenges to include innovations that result in positive organizational impact. The role involves monitoring and analyzing spacecraft and satellite
More from the job description

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team. About the Role We are seeking a skilled Orbital Analyst to join our space operations team. The successful candidate will be responsible for continuously monitoring the position and velocity of artificial objects in Earth orbit or deep space, applying mathematical models and observational data to precisely calculate orbital parameters, predicting potential close approaches between objects and recommending necessary avoidance maneuvers, designing optimal trajectories for spacecraft launches, orbital transfers, and reentries, tracking and cataloging space debris to help prevent dangerous collisions, and assessing the risk of collision between various space objects. The candidate will develop and use tools to pe [... source excerpt omitted ...] and close approaches. The role requires close collaboration with flight operations mission teams to support spacecraft maneuver planning and ensure mission success. In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. You will derive, decompose, allocate, trace, and manage system requirements and architectures, as well as define and document system concepts of operation. Supporting development milestone reviews by creating artifacts and deliverables will be a key responsibility, alongside overseeing system integration and veri [... source excerpt omitted ...] gies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement. Adhering to established engineering processes and standards will be essential, and you will communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful execution. About You Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who alig

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