Senior Astrodynamics and Concept of Operations Developer

Technology Service Corporation (TSC) is seeking a Senior Astrodynamics & Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Developer to join our team supporting the development of cutting-edge space missions. This role combines deep orbital mechanics expertise with creative, strategic thinking to support work at the Naval Research Laboratory. This position will be part time on-site at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC and will be in a classified environment. No remote work is available.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert in AGI STK, using Astrogator and Analysis Workbench for advanced orbital modeling, simulation, and mission analysis.
• Design and evaluate spacecraft trajectories, including injection paths, transfer orbits, rendezvous maneuvers, station-keeping, and deorbit operations.
• Develop and refine detailed CONOPS for space missions, including timelines, spacecraft behavior, formation strategies, and ground-space coordination.
• Conduct analysis for formation flying, proximity operations, relative motion, and coordinated control of multiple spacecraft.
• Support trade studies on launch timing, maneuver planning, delta-v budgets, and orbital architecture selection.
• Generate and present technical reports, visualizations, and briefings for program leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with spacecraft design, systems engineering, and GNC teams to ensure mission design is executable and aligned with system capabilities.
• Support mission planning activities and readiness reviews

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, physics, astrophysics or related field and 12-15 years of related experience
• US Citizenship with minimum of top-secret DoD security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain and TS SCI.
• Expert-level proficiency with AGI STK, including Astrogator for trajectory design and mission simulation.
• Strong background in trajectory design, including transfer orbits, injection maneuvers, and orbit maintenance.
• Experience conducting analysis for formation flying and relative motion dynamics.
• Strong understanding of orbital elements, perturbations, and spacecraft maneuver strategies.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, GMAT, or similar tools for custom analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering
• 10 or more years’ experience supporting DoD, IC or NASA missions
• Knowledge of space domain awareness (SDA), on-orbit servicing, or cislunar dynamics.
• Familiarity with ground systems, mission operations, or real-time command and control.
• Experience working in classified program environments or with secure mission data.

TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more. TSC is a growing organization with unlimited opportunity!

Applying to TSC:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.