Associate - Orbital Dynamics

Associate Staff – Orbital Dynamics

Date:
Mar 24, 2026

Location:

Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Advanced Electro-Optical Systems Group (Group 99) specializes in the rapid design and prototyping of innovative electro-optic systems that support the Department of Defense, NASA, and other U.S. government organizations. The group has deep expertise in satellite systems, electro‑optical and infrared sensors, electronics, image processing, and low‑SWaP (size, weight, and power) optical communications. By combining hardware and software development under one roof, the group rapidly architects, prototypes, and deploys end‑to‑end systems tailored to mission needs.

We work closely with end users to transform enabling concepts into operational capabilities on accelerated timelines.

We are seeking self‑motivated engineers and scientists with multidisciplinary skill sets and a passion for prototyping cutting‑edge systems that address critical national challenges.

• Develop and apply models for orbital mechanics, trajectory propagation, and perturbation analysis.
• Perform orbit determination and estimation using real or simulated data.
• Analyze space system performance, including maneuver planning and mission design.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate orbital dynamics with broader system requirements.
• Build, validate, and maintain analysis tools and simulation frameworks.
• Communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field. A Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of experience would be considered.
• Strong foundation in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Experience with scientific computing (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to follow through on complex technical work from initial concept to delivery.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.

• Experience with orbit determination techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering, batch estimation).
• Familiarity with space mission design or operations.
• Experience working with real sensor data or flight systems.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous problem spaces and helping define solutions.
• Communicates clearly and works effectively in team settings.

Recent Graduate: $116,400–$140,000
Experienced: $116,400–$182,200

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
• MIT‑funded pension.
• Matching 401(k).
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.).
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs.
• Mentorship programs.
• A range of work‑life balance options.
• ... and much more.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition