Sr. Spacecraft Navigation Engineer

Company Overview

This organization delivers advanced software, mission design expertise, and navigation solutions that support commercial, civil, and national security space programs. The team works across mission enabling services, technology development, and integrated mission solutions, supporting cutting‑edge spaceflight initiatives. Engineers collaborate in a fast‑moving, agile environment where innovation, technical excellence, and cross‑domain expertise drive meaningful contributions to space exploration.

A leading aerospace technology organization focused on advancing next‑generation space missions is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Navigation Engineer to help push the boundaries of spacecraft navigation and mission design. This role will lead technical development efforts, support a highly skilled engineering team, and perform advanced navigation analysis for current and future missions.

This position is open to U.S. Persons only (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with applicable regulations.

Active Security Clearance: TS/SCI preferred but not required

Work Authorization: Visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

• Perform detailed navigation analyses for spacecraft missions in development and proposal phases
• Design and develop advanced navigation algorithms aligned with mission performance requirements
• Architect solutions for complex navigation and orbit determination challenges
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with leadership on technical strategy and planning
• Support spaceflight operations, technology development initiatives, and proposal efforts
• Contribute to mission planning, schedules, and cross‑functional engineering activities
• Perform additional duties as required

• 8 to 12 years of relevant experience
• Master’s or PhD with emphasis on Kalman filtering, estimation theory, or related navigation disciplines
• Experience implementing flight and ground navigation architectures
• Proven background developing navigation algorithms or estimation filters
• Strong scientific computing and software development experience
• Familiarity with navigation tools such as MONTE, Free Flyer, or ODTK
• Ability to work independently and translate high‑level mission goals into technical execution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Python or similar analytical toolsets
• Active security clearance preferred

• Deep space or three‑body orbit regime knowledge
• Understanding of timing systems and clock error impacts on navigation
• Familiarity with radiometric navigation observables and associated error sources
• Experience with tools such as GMAT, STK, MONTE, or Free Flyer
• High performance computing environments

• Base Salary Range: $135,000 to $165,000 depending on experience and location
• Signing bonus eligibility
• Quarterly performance bonus program
• Comprehensive health insurance and 401(k) plan
• Flexible time off policy
• Relocation assistance available

This role follows a hybrid schedule with at least three days per week onsite in Westminster, Colorado. The team values collaboration and in‑person engineering engagement.

Associate Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply for open positions with our company.