Orbital Analyst

The Role

Space Command (SPACECOMD) are looking for an APS 6 Orbital Analysts (OA) to join their Joint Force Space Component Team at HQ JOC. Orbital analysis is the study of how objects move in space under the influence of gravity. It is most commonly used in space science, astronomy, and aerospace engineering to understand and predict the motion of satellites, planets, spacecraft, and other celestial bodies. In the military context, this is used to understand the orbit, likely orbit and decay of objects in space as part of Space Situational Awareness (SSA). 

SSA refers to understanding, monitoring, and characterising objects in space and the environment in which they operate. It involves tracking satellites and debris to assess their behaviour and predict potential close approaches, allowing operators to take action to avoid collisions.

SSA also accounts for risks from fragmentation events, meteor activity, and other natural hazards that may impact space operations. It underpins all space safety efforts and real-time traffic coordination and forms a key part of Space Domain Awareness (SDA), which enables decision-makers to build a clear and timely picture of both current and future operating conditions in space. 

The orbital analyst role is a key role performing orbital determination and analysis as part of an integrated Space team. They provide vital input into developing the understanding of the space environment. The OA will monitor and calculate orbital parameters of space objects, design safe trajectories, collision avoidance, and support mission planning using specialized software tools, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. The OA provides astrodynamics expertise, supporting analytical tasks, resolving system issues and anomalies, monitoring data trends, updating operational products, and conducting performance assessments. 

The successful candidate will play an active part in shaping planning and operational outcomes, and should be a motivated self-starter with a strong passion for space and a desire to work within a like-minded team. Well-developed understanding of Defence’s mission and government decision-making, and compliance to relevant legislative frameworks and policy requirements, which will enable you to interpret and provide advice within the aerospace engineering function based on legislation, policy and procedures. You will also undertake specialist, technical research and analysis, conduct reviews, assessments and perform procedural or operational support work to achieve Defence’s outcomes.

About our Team

SPACECOMD is a multidisciplinary workforce across Navy, Army, Air Force, Australian Public Service, and Industry. SPACECOMD has been established to prepare space power to secure Australia's interests in peace and war. Its vision is to assure Australian civil and military access in space, integrated across Government, and in concert with allies, international partners and industry. 

The Joint Force Space Component, at HQ JOC, provides space expertise into the integrated force planning for and conduct of operations. Space is one of the five operational domains in the ADF and its criticality is increasing, as outlined in the latest NDS. The team is involved in operations on a daily basis and directly contributes to exercises on a regular basis.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate: 

• Perform orbit analysis, orbital determination, and analysis functions.
• Generate and provide daily orbital data to support planning.
• Generate and provide daily orbit data to external users.
• An ability to apply mathematical models and observational data to precisely calculate orbital parameters and predicting potential close approaches, re-entries, tracking and cataloguing space debris to help prevent dangerous collisions, and assessing the risk of collision between various space objects.
• An ability to rapidly learn COTS OA tools.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders via reports, written correspondence, calculations, discussions and presentations.
• An innovative and adaptive thinker Assess technical and design packages including scoping, planning, reviewing and provide recommendations for consideration.
• Have the ability to lead and develop a small team.

Security Clearance:

Positive Vetting: Prior to commencement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an extensive security clearance process. As a Positive Vetting clearance is required, applicants must be Australian Citizens; be able to account for their personal background for their whole life; and be able to demonstrate suitability to work in a high security intelligence environment.

Mandatory Qualifications:

Bachelor of Engineering from an Australian institution, or a qualification gained elsewhere, that satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers