orbital scientist or engineer

Computational Physics, Inc., seeks a scientist or engineer with expertise in orbital calculations to support our work at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in Washington, D.C.

BACKGROUND

The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is responsible for the production and dissemination of Precise Time, Astrometry, and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) to the Department of Defense and other branches of the U.S. government for use in navigation. Public versions of these parameters support navigation for users world-wide. As part of these missions, the USNO operates telescopes at multiple locations around the world. It processes the collected data and uses the analysis products to support Navy, Department of Defense and U.S. Government needs, as well as to fulfill its role in the world scientific community for double star, celestial reference frame and geodetic research. One new aspect of the USNO's mission is to create and sustain a navigation reference frame that utilizes satellite orbit ephemerides to enable navigation in GPS-denied environments. To support this work, the USNO is developing and deploying a system that uses observational data to calculate satellite and Near Earth Object (NEO) orbits.

THE WORK

CPI is seeking an orbital scientist or engineer to support USNO’s development of a satellite-based reference frame. The reference frame is derived from observations of Resident Space Objects primarily by optical instruments, but is also designed to support integration of radio frequency and other data sources. The satellite navigation reference frame depends on the ability to convert such data into high-accuracy orbits. The successful candidate will use his or her subject matter expertise in orbit determination to support the development, deployment and testing of the astronomical observing systems and data processing algorithms used to generate the satellite reference frame.

LOCATION, TELEWORK, BENEFITS, SALARY

The position is located at the USNO in Washington, D.C. A small amount of travel may be required. Telework may be authorized. CPI offers an excellent package of benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, annual leave, sick leave, Federal holidays, tuition assistance and more. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, engineering or related field. (A master's degree plus three years of experience can substitute for Ph.D.)
• At least 7 years’ experience in satellite mission planning or orbital analysis/orbit determination of natural and/or man-made NEOs.
• At least 3 years’ experience converting optical astronomical data of NEOs to high- accuracy orbits. Experience with supplementing optical data with radar datasets is desirable.
• Subject matter expertise in Space Domain Awareness, Space Situational Awareness , or Space Traffic Management.
• Expertise in the development and use of orbit determination systems. Knowledge of Ansys Orbit Determination Toolkit (ODTK) or NASA’s General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) is desirable.
• Expertise in the use of high-level software programming languages. Knowledge of Python is desirable.
• Expertise in the use of astrodynamics software libraries (e.g., Standardized Astrodynamic Algorithm Library [SAAL], OreKit).
• Experience with the Linux operating system.
• Knowledge of optical instrumentation and telescope operations is desirable.
• Understanding of software development practices and principles is desirable.
• U.S. Citizenship is required by our contract with the Navy.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume in confidence. A cover letter is optional.

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

www.cpi.com

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Please confirm that you are a U.S. citizen. (Under our contract from the Navy, employees assigned to the USNO must be U.S. citizens. We are not able to consider "green card" holders for this position.)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20392