Awetomaton is seeking a Research Scientist to support Space Domain Awareness (SDA) initiatives, with a focus on designing, implementing, and validating collection strategies and estimation algorithms that enable persistent custody and characterization of high-interest space objects. This role spans research, prototyping, and operational analysis, supporting unresolved and resolved collections, sensor planning, and multi-sensor data fusion across diverse SDA sensor modalities. The ideal candidate will possess a BS degree or higher with 5+ years of experience. This position will largely be performed from WPAFB. Active Top Secret security clearance required.

Key Responsibilities

Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form with technical & operational stakeholders
Demonstrate initiative when faced with limited guidance or ambiguousrequirements
Design and evaluate SDA collection strategies for unresolved and resolved observations
Define collection configurations (e.g., bandwidth, integration time, wavelength, duration, tracking rate, sensor jogs)
Support sensor planning, tipping and cueing, and multi-sensor tasking approaches
Develop and validate multi-hypothesis state estimation algorithms for non-cooperative or maneuvering objects
Perform orbit determination and refinement (IOD, Batch Differential Correction)
Maintain and assess custody of high-interest objects (e.g., satellites, FOBS, ASAT-related objects)
Apply super-resolution techniques (e.g., Drizzle) to improve resolved collections
Use Ansys STK and Python to model sensors, orbits, access, and collection performance

Required Experience and Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Astrodynamics, Computer Science, or related field
3+ years of experience in Space Domain Awareness, SSA, or orbital analysis
Proficiency in Python for scientific computing and estimation
Experience with orbit determination (IOD, BatchDC)
Familiarity with Ansys STK and SDA sensor modeling concepts
Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, estimation theory, and sensor geometry

Desired Education and Experience

Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical discipline
Experience with multi-sensor data fusion and multi-hypothesis estimation
Familiarity with SGP4 and SP-based propagation (e.g., HPOP)
Experience supporting DoD, IC, or commercial SDA missions

About Awetomaton

We build software that enables humans to make informed decisions from raw intel data, with a specialization in satellite collection. We are a Dayton-based defense startup that believes there is a critical skill & culture gap - one we are filling with high-output, mission focused engineering talent. Results matter to our customers. We've never lost a customer because we deliver what they need. Awetomaton is where you do work that matters with a passionate team in an environment that inspires your creativity.

Benefits

We provide industry leading benefits that balance your health & wellbeing today, as well as lay a solid financial future into retirement. Highlights of our benefit plan include:

Flexible time off totaling 36 days / year. No approvals required.
100% 401k company match up to IRS annual limits. This is a benefit of up to $24,500 for 2026.
Health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with Health Savings Account (HSA). We pay 95% of employee premiums including family plans.
Employee favorite: Tech and Wellness reimbursement of $3000 / year. Treat yourself with the newest gadgets or athletic gear. No approvals required.
Annual profit sharing as 401k contribution. No set percent and dependent on annual company performance. Benefit is above and beyond 401k match.
MacBook laptop and well-equipped office spaces for optimal productivity in office and on-the-go.

Space Domain Awareness Engineer

Awetomaton