Launching a Career as a Geodetic Orbit Scientist with the NGA
Are you a scientist with a passion for orbital mechanics, geophysics, and national security? The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is currently seeking talented individuals to serve as Geodetic Orbit Scientists. This role is fundamental to the agency’s ability to provide accurate and actionable geospatial intelligence to decision-makers, warfighters, and first responders worldwide.
Job Responsibilities
As a Geodetic Orbit Scientist, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Monitoring GNSS: Maintaining continuous surveillance of Global Navigation Satellite Systems to ensure data integrity.
- Data Analysis: Evaluating complex geophysical and geodetic datasets to identify deviations and develop recommendations.
- Reference Frame Maintenance: Developing and maintaining the WGS 84 reference frame.
- System Development: Planning, coding, and implementing algorithms and software tools to improve orbit determination.
- Collaboration: Working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure program deadlines and mission objectives are consistently met.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Feature | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance | Top Secret / SCI | Critical |
| Education | Bachelor's in STEM | Required |
| Programming | Python/C++/MATLAB | Highly Desirable |
| Work Schedule | Shift Work Required | Mandatory |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a Top Secret/SCI clearance. Educationally, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with at least 30 semester hours in subjects such as Astronomy, Geodesy, Mathematics, or Physics. A combination of experience and education totaling four years may also be considered.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $76,573 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from:
- Comprehensive federal health and life insurance.
- A robust retirement plan via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid leave and holiday policies.
- Opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
How to Apply
Applying for a position with the NGA is a specific process. All applications must be submitted via the NGA Careers Portal. You are encouraged to use the provided NGA resume builder and keep your document limited to two pages. Ensure that your resume explicitly highlights your experience in scientific modeling and statistical analysis.
If you are ready to contribute to one of the most critical missions in the intelligence community, the Geodetic Orbit Scientist role offers a rare opportunity to do meaningful, complex, and impactful work. Ensure your resume reflects your unique qualifications and apply through the official portal before the deadline.
Why This Geodetic Orbit Scientist Job Matters
Launch your career at the forefront of global intelligence—join the NGA as a Geodetic Orbit Scientist and turn satellite data into actionable national security insights.
Geodetic Orbit Scientist Job Overview
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is seeking skilled Geodetic Orbit Scientists to join our mission-critical team. You will play a vital role in monitoring Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), maintaining the WGS 84 reference frame, and analyzing complex orbital data. By leveraging your expertise in geophysics, mathematics, and statistical analysis, you will help provide the intelligence community and warfighters with the critical information needed to make informed, data-driven decisions on a global scale.
Requirements for Geodetic Orbit Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Successful completion of a polygraph and drug test
- Bachelor's degree in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related field (with specific coursework in calculus and science/engineering)
- Experience in scientific modeling, statistical analysis, or geodetic data management
- Strong communication and collaborative problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications for Geodetic Orbit Scientist
- Proficiency in UNIX, C++, Python, MATLAB, or MATHEMATICA
- Expertise in GNSS, Precise Ephemerides calculations, or WGS 84 reference frames
- Experience managing program resources and leading technical teams
- Proven history of learning and applying new software technologies
- Experience with satellite hardware or software systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary and performance-based bonus potential
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance plans
- âś“Retirement savings program (Thrift Savings Plan)
- âś“Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and training
- âś“Potential for recruitment incentives based on eligibility
đź’ˇ How to Apply Geodetic Orbit Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Geodetic Orbit Scientist Job
- Visit the official NGA Careers Portal online.
- Utilize the NGA resume builder to create a submission limited to 2 pages.
- Attach a cover letter (optional but recommended) to highlight relevant expertise.
- Submit your application electronically before the closing date of November 14, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through the online portal.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Use the mandatory NGA resume builder and strictly adhere to the 2-page limit.
- Quantify your experience; provide concrete examples of how your scientific analysis led to specific project results.
- Clearly link your academic background to the mandatory coursework requirements (30 semester hours in science/math).
- Review your resume to ensure it addresses each of the six mandatory qualification criteria.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes. This position requires the ability to obtain and retain a Top Secret/SCI clearance, including successful completion of a counterintelligence polygraph.
Does this position require shift work?
Yes, this role involves periodic evening and weekend work to support continuous data monitoring for GNSS systems.
Can I submit my resume in a standard format?
No. Applicants must use the NGA-specific resume builder and ensure the document does not exceed two pages.
Job from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is the world leader in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). By analyzing imagery, maps, and gravity models, the NGA provides vital intelligence that reveals not just the 'what' and 'where' of world events, but the 'how' and 'why.' As a civilian-led intelligence organization, the NGA operates at the cutting edge of technology, offering a unique opportunity to apply high-level scientific skills to the challenges of global security.