Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III

About the role

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III to lead the analysis, design, and operational support of highly maneuverable spacecraft missions. This role will lead trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis efforts across the mission lifecycle — from early concept development through on-orbit operations.

You will work closely with systems engineering, GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop and implement robust, high-fidelity flight dynamics capabilities that support trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis for missions across multiple regimes.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Lead mission design activities for LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar missions, including:

Trajectory and maneuver design

Delta-v/propellant budgeting

Orbit maintenance planning

Navigation covariance sensitivity studies

Launch injection dispersion and maneuver execution Monte Carlo analyses

Disposal planning

Own mission-level simulation and end-to-end performance analysis, including:

Eclipse & payload coverage analyses

Conjunction assessment and collision avoidance analysis

Ground station visibility analysis and link budget inputs

Tracking geometry assessment and schedules

Scheduling support for mission operations

Architect navigation solutions, informing selection of spacecraft tracking measurement phenomenologies and ground networks

Develop and maintain internal flight dynamics and mission analysis tools (Python/MATLAB/C++-based)

Contribute to spacecraft operations, including maneuver planning, anomaly investigation and on-orbit performance evaluation

Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports

Collaborate with GNC, communications, systems engineering, mission operations

What It Takes:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field

5-10+ years of experience performing mission design tasks, general mission analysis, and flight dynamics related 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, GMAT, or similar

Experience in at least one of the following languages: Python, MATLAB

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice-to-Have Experience:

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in Astrodynamics or Estimation

Experience with cislunar three-body trajectory design and navigation

Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) mission design including relative orbit design and navigation

Experience designing low-thrust and hybrid propulsion spacecraft missions

Experience with alternative forms of spacecraft navigation (e.g. OpNAV, inter-satellite links)

Exposure to other spacecraft subsystems (e.g. GNC, propulsion, FSW)

What You’ll Get

Ownership – Build and validate the flight dynamics capability that defines how our spacecraft operate across LEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.

Innovation – Shape next-generation flight dynamics architectures, trajectory design methodologies, and mission analysis tools for high-energy, low-energy, and multi-body missions.

Impact – Directly influence mission feasibility, Delta-V performance, navigation accuracy, and long-term success across LEO, GEO, and cislunar operations.

Growth – Collaborate across GNC, avionics, flight software, systems engineering, and mission operations, with opportunities to expand into advanced astrodynamics, orbit determination, mission design, or on-orbit flight operations leadership.

Compensation –Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Rockville, MD or, Hawthorne, CA or, Denver, CO

Base Salary: $125,000 - $175,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.