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Title:

Astrodynamics Engineer

KBR is looking for a Senior Astrodynamics Engineer or Physicist to serve as the KBR on-site representative in Reston and/or Chantilly, VA. The Astrodynamics Engineer or Physicist develops trajectory and orbit estimation algorithms and software derived from a variety of sensor observations to accurately identify, maintain custody, and characterize satellites and other Resident Space Objects (RSOs) while detecting maneuvers and other attribute changes.

Responsibilities

• Enhance existing techniques for initial orbit determination of satellites and other RSOs combining limited positional measurements from optical, radar, and passive RF systems.

• Develop multiple hypothesis algorithms for RSO trajectory estimates, accommodating a range of orbit regimes, object attributes, thrusting, and maneuvers.

• Evaluate the performance of multiple hypothesis trajectory estimates using simulated and real sensor observations.

• Develop sensor scheduling strategies beneficial for initial orbit determination, orbit updates, and custody of satellites and other RSOs.

• Integrate astrodynamics algorithms into existing codebase and messaging architectures with code reuse where applicable.

• Evaluate sensor astrometric and photometric measurement performance using ground-based and space-based optical sensor data from Monte Carlo simulations, well-calibrated RSOs, and astronomical sources.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional/military engineering experience in Astrodynamics and Optical Systems. In lieu of formal education, at least 18 years of progressive related experience in specified field is required.

• Scientific programming and development with emphasis on astrodynamics and image processing in C++.

• Knowledge of visible and near infrared optical sensor operation, performance, and calibration using radiometric and stellar sources

Desired Qualifications

• Mentor colleagues in orbit determination techniques from sensor measurements

• Experience in ground or space-based telescope operations

• Knowledge of optical system design

• Knowledge of detection theory and image processing algorithms

• Experience with Python and machine learning frameworks

• Experience with cloud computing architectures and software deployment

Clearance: Requires TS//SCI with CI Poly

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.