Astrodynamics and Navigation Engineer III
Quantum Space
| Company | Quantum Space |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Rockville |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 29 May 2026 |
| Last verified | 5 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
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 eng