Astrophysicist Engineer

Stealth Communications is seeking to fill multiple posititons for the role of: Astrophysicist Engineer to advance research and development in orbital mechanics, space domain awareness (SDA), and next-generation propulsion modeling. This role will drive innovation in high-fidelity astrophysical simulations, AI-enhanced space situational awareness, and predictive modeling for near-Earth and deep-space operations. The ideal candidate will leverage expertise in computational astrodynamics, space weather interactions, and AI accelerated orbital predictions to support mission-critical defense and exploration initiatives.

This position requires security clearance and is based onsite in Honolulu, HI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine next-generation orbital mechanics models, integrating multi-body perturbation effects, non-Keplerian trajectory design, and relativistic corrections for precision spaceflight
• Utilize high-performance computing (HPC) and AI-driven orbital propagators to enhance prediction accuracy for space object tracking, debris collision avoidance, and autonomous spacecraft navigation
• Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for advanced plasma propulsion systems, electromagnetic sail technologies, and ion thruster optimization
• Lead space domain awareness (SDA) initiatives, integrating multi-sensor fusion techniques (radar, optical, infrared, RF) with AI-driven pattern recognition algorithms for real-time anomaly detection
• Develop machine learning-based predictive models for spacecraft maneuver detection, space weather forecasting, and ionospheric impact mitigation on GNSS-dependent systems
• Perform hypersonic reentry trajectory modeling, incorporating high-altitude aerothermodynamics and thermal protection system response simulations
• Conduct high-fidelity gravitational mapping and terrain-relative navigation algorithms for planetary exploration and asteroid resource extraction missions
• Design and validate real-time autonomous guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms for unmanned spacecraft operations and satellite swarm coordination
• Collaborate with aerospace engineers, quantum computing specialists, and AI researchers to optimize autonomous interplanetary transfer planning and trajectory correction maneuvers
• Support classified research initiatives in electromagnetic propulsion, adaptive orbital warfare strategies and space-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) applications

Qualifications

• Must possess an active, transferable TS/SCI CI Poly U.S. government-issued security clearance before starting.
• Ph.D. in Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Physics, or Orbital Mechanics with a focus on computational astrodynamics and space environment modeling
• 13 years of experience in orbital mechanics, space situational awareness, or AI-driven astrophysical modeling
• Proficiency in analytical and numerical orbital propagation techniques, including SDP4, SGP8, Gauss-Legendre integrators, and Runge-Kutta methods
• Expertise in multi-satellite formation flying dynamics, satellite cluster optimization, and distributed GNC algorithms
• Strong background in electromagnetic and plasma physics, with experience modeling charged particle interactions, magnetosphere dynamics, and radiation belt evolution
• Experience in high-energy astrodynamics, including solar sail mechanics, Lorentz force-based propulsion, and low-thrust trajectory optimization
• Proficiency in high-fidelity space weather modeling, including geomagnetic storm forecasting, cosmic ray flux simulations Van Allen belt variability assessments
• Experience with autonomous maneuver detection, adversarial trajectory prediction, and AI-based threat identification for space domain security
• Strong proficiency in Python, C , Rust, and ASM for high-performance space simulation environments.
• Experience deploying AI-enhanced space object tracking and probabilistic uncertainty quantification using TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JuliaFlux
• Expertise in astrophysics data science platforms and AI-driven orbital prediction pipelines
• Strong command of parallel computing techniques for large-scale space mission simulations, leveraging CUDA, OpenMP, and FPGA acceleration frameworks
• Experience with generation-after-next propulsion technologies, including ion beam acceleration, magnetohydrodynamic thrusters aand field-effect propulsion systems
• Knowledge of adaptive optics, photonic interferometry, and next-gen spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging techniques
• Prior research in hypersonic flight dynamics, space vehicle heat dissipation modeling, and active cooling methodologies for extreme thermal loads
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, government-funded research contributions, or collaborations with national laboratories and aerospace agencies
• Experience presenting complex space environment models to government defense agencies, commercial aerospace firms, and classified research entities
• Capable of independent work and collaboration within a diverse and multidisciplinary team, including scientists, engineers, business professionals, and ex-military personnel

Starting base salary: $400,000 Sign on bonus of $500,000 Relocation Expenses.