Geodetic Orbit Scientist
Job
US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Saint Louis, MO (In Person)
$109,226 Salary, Full-Time
Review key factors to help you decide if the role fits your goals.
Pay Growth
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Not enough info to score pay or growth
Job Security
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Calculating job security score...
Total Score
78
out of 100
Average of individual scores
Skill Insights
Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Summary Geodetic Orbit Scientists monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), acquire and analyze satellite data, produce and maintain the WGS 84 reference frame, and contribute geodetic products (e.g., GNSS orbits) to the DoW, IC, and civilian partners. They plan, develop, evaluate, and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine ephemerides and other information. They Learn more about this agency This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency External Applicants Only Duties
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) serves as the world leader in providing timely, relevant, accurate, and actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). NGA's civilian, military, and contract personnel evaluate imagery, maps, charts, multiple layers of foundation data- such as terrain, elevation, and gravity
- and the full spectrum of visible and invisible light in order to help users visualize what is happening at a particular place and time.
Please Note:
This position has a requirement for participation in shift work. Periodic evening and weekend work is required. Overnight shifts are rare, but possible. Employees are expected to be flexible to changing requirements and supportive when crisis responses require schedule changes.Duties:
1.Identify and analyze geophysical and geodetic orbit data to determine interrelationships and submit recommendations to maintain program requirements. 2.Support continuous data monitoring for GNSS systems. Will require evening and weekend support. 3.Guide research, analysis, and identification of issues by evaluating complex geophysical data sets, identifying deviations in the data, and recommending courses of action 4.Manage program integration, execution and resourcing in support of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations. Requirements Conditions of employment US Citizenship is required. Designated or Random Drug Testing required. Security InvestigationSPECIAL INFO
As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. U.S. Citizenship- Security Clearance
- Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Polygraph & Drug Test Direct Deposit Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
We may consider:
performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal serviceSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility. QualificationsMANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: 1. Experience with modeling of scientific systems, to include but not limited to Physics, Geophysics, Geology, or Geosciences. 2. Experience communicating to leadership and other stakeholders through written, visual, and/or verbal reporting and presentation 3. Experience working collaboratively as part of a team to ensure that project goals and deadlines are met. 4. Experience identifying, analyzing, and resolving challenging issues. 5. Experience with scientific or statistical analysis, to include but not limited to geophysical data or geodetic data. 6. Experience with computer operating systems, computer networking, coding, and/or database management.EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
A.Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Orbital Mechanics, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus.- OR•B.
Combination of Education and Experience:
A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus experience in conducting work related to satellite operations, GPS surveying, Geodesy, Geophysics, Wide Area Network analysis, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
Distinguish principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better with or without corrective lensesDESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired: 1. Experience with one or more of the following computer systems:UNIX, UNIX
scripting, FORTRAN, C, C++, STK, UML, MATLAB MATHEMATICA, and/or Python 2. Experience learning and applying new IT technologies and software. 3. Experience managing the integration, execution, and resource allocation of programs 4. Experience with satellite characteristics (hardware or software), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), WGS 84, and/or Precise Ephemerides calculations. 5. Experience leading teams, programs and/or projects Additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Applicants are not required to submit a cover letter for employment consideration with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. However, a cover letter is recommended. Applicants will have the option to attach a cover letter in the Qualifications- Attachments step of the online application.
APPLICANT EVALUATION PROCESS
1) All applicants will be evaluated using the Mandatory Qualification Criteria, 2) Qualified applicants will then be evaluated by an expert or panel of experts using a combination of qualification criteria to determine the best-qualified candidates, 3) Best-qualified applicants may then be further evaluated through an interview process. Military retiree applicants, if selected, may be impacted by the 180-day appointment restrictions ofDODI 1402.01. HD
personnel will provide additional information if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Assignment Description, Additional Information Provided By the Selecting Official, and the Qualification Requirements; and then construct their resumes to highlight their most relevant and significant experience and education for this job opportunity. This description should include examples that detail the level and complexity of the performed work. Applicants are encouraged to provide any education or degree information referenced in the announcement that is relevant. If education is listed as a mandatory requirement, only degrees obtained from an institution accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Secretary, US Department of Education will be accepted. You must use the NGA resume builder and limit your resume to 2 pages. In accordance with section 9902(h) of title 5, United States Code, annuitants reemployed in the Department of Defense shall receive full annuity and salary upon appointment. They shall not be eligible for retirement contributions, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, or a supplemental or re-determined annuity for the reemployment period. Discontinued service retirement annuitants (i.e., retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code) appointed to the Department of Defense may elect to be subject to retirement provisions of the new appointment as appropriate. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300). Reemployed annuitants must meet additional selection criteria as outlined in the DODI 1400.25, v300. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation. NGA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applications will only be accepted online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at recruitment@nga.mil. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Required Documents None If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply Application submission involves applying using NGA's online application process at NGA Careers Portal. Additional information concerning NGA's hiring process can be found by visiting NGA Hiring Process. All announcements close at 11:59PM EDT on the closing date listed. Be sure to complete and submit your application by that time in order to be considered.ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Both applicants for employment and current employees of NGA are entitled to request religious accommodations from generally applicable employment-related rules and requirements, so long as the accommodation requested would not result in an undue hardship to the conduct of NGA's business. You can apply for the job opening at https://careers.nga.mil/psp/CAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=20260104&PostingSeq=2 Agency contact information Recruitment Phone 571-557-1999 Email Recruitment@nga.mil AddressNATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Mailstop:
S44-HDR 7500 GEOINT
Drive Springfield, VA 22150 US Next steps After visiting the NGA Careers Portal and applying via NGA's online application process, applicants can follow their status via that same NGA online application functionality. Several other topics relating to what is involved in the hiring process and how long it takes can be found by visiting the NGA Hiring Process. Overview Accepting applications Open & closing dates 05/11/2026 to 06/06/2026 Salary $76,573- $141,880 per year Pay scale & grade IA 03 Location Many vacancies in the following location: Saint Louis, MO 1 vacancy Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel
- Occasional Travel Required Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent
- This is a permanent position. Work schedule Full-time
- Full Time Service Excepted Promotion potential 03 Job family (Series) 1372 Geodesy Supervisory status No Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Drug test Yes Announcement number 20260104 Control number 865960500 Geodetic Orbit Scientist 1 JEFFERSON
BARRACKS
DRIVE, St. Louis, MO 63125 $76,573- $141,880 a year
- Full-time $76,573
- $141,880 a year
- Full-time Summary Geodetic Orbit Scientists monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), acquire and analyze satellite data, produce and maintain the WGS 84 reference frame, and contribute geodetic products (e.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) serves as the world leader in providing timely, relevant, accurate, and actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). NGA's civilian, military, and contract personnel evaluate imagery, maps, charts, multiple layers of foundation data- such as terrain, elevation, and gravity
- and the full spectrum of visible and invisible light in order to help users visualize what is happening at a particular place and time.
Please Note:
This position has a requirement for participation in shift work. Periodic evening and weekend work is required. Overnight shifts are rare, but possible. Employees are expected to be flexible to changing requirements and supportive when crisis responses require schedule changes.Duties:
1.Identify and analyze geophysical and geodetic orbit data to determine interrelationships and submit recommendations to maintain program requirements. 2.Support continuous data monitoring for GNSS systems. Will require evening and weekend support. 3.Guide research, analysis, and identification of issues by evaluating complex geophysical data sets, identifying deviations in the data, and recommending courses of action 4.Manage program integration, execution and resourcing in support of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations. Requirements Conditions of employment US Citizenship is required. Designated or Random Drug Testing required. Security InvestigationSPECIAL INFO
As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. U.S. Citizenship- Security Clearance
- Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Polygraph & Drug Test Direct Deposit Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
We may consider:
performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal serviceSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility. QualificationsMANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: 1. Experience with modeling of scientific systems, to include but not limited to Physics, Geophysics, Geology, or Geosciences. 2. Experience communicating to leadership and other stakeholders through written, visual, and/or verbal reporting and presentation 3. Experience working collaboratively as part of a team to ensure that project goals and deadlines are met. 4. Experience identifying, analyzing, and resolving challenging issues. 5. Experience with scientific or statistical analysis, to include but not limited to geophysical data or geodetic data. 6. Experience with computer operating systems, computer networking, coding, and/or database management.EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
A.Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Orbital Mechanics, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus.- OR•B.
Combination of Education and Experience:
A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus experience in conducting work related to satellite operations, GPS surveying, Geodesy, Geophysics, Wide Area Network analysis, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
Distinguish principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better with or without corrective lensesDESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired: 1. Experience with one or more of the following computer systems:UNIX, UNIX
scripting, FORTRAN, C, C++, STK, UML, MATLAB MATHEMATICA, and/or Python 2. Experience learning and applying new IT technologies and software. 3. Experience managing the integration, execution, and resource allocation of programs 4. Experience with satellite characteristics (hardware or software), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), WGS 84, and/or Precise Ephemerides calculations. 5. Experience leading teams, programs and/or projects Additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Applicants are not required to submit a cover letter for employment consideration with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. However, a cover letter is recommended. Applicants will have the option to attach a cover letter in the Qualifications- Attachments step of the online application.
APPLICANT EVALUATION PROCESS
1) All applicants will be evaluated using the Mandatory Qualification Criteria, 2) Qualified applicants will then be evaluated by an expert or panel of experts using a combination of qualification criteria to determine the best-qualified candidates, 3) Best-qualified applicants may then be further evaluated through an interview process. Military retiree applicants, if selected, may be impacted by the 180-day appointment restrictions ofDODI 1402.01. HD
personnel will provide additional information if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Assignment Description, Additional Information Provided By the Selecting Official, and the Qualification Requirements; and then construct their resumes to highlight their most relevant and significant experience and education for this job opportunity. This description should include examples that detail the level and complexity of the performed work. Applicants are encouraged to provide any education or degree information referenced in the announcement that is relevant. If education is listed as a mandatory requirement, only degrees obtained from an institution accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Secretary, US Department of Education will be accepted. You must use the NGA resume builder and limit your resume to 2 pages. In accordance with section 9902(h) of title 5, United States Code, annuitants reemployed in the Department of Defense shall receive full annuity and salary upon appointment. They shall not be eligible for retirement contributions, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, or a supplemental or re-determined annuity for the reemployment period. Discontinued service retirement annuitants (i.e., retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code) appointed to the Department of Defense may elect to be subject to retirement provisions of the new appointment as appropriate. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300). Reemployed annuitants must meet additional selection criteria as outlined in the DODI 1400.25, v300. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation. NGA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applications will only be accepted online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at recruitment@nga.mil. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Required Documents None If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply Application submission involves applying using NGA's online application process at NGA Careers Portal. Additional information concerning NGA's hiring process can be found by visiting NGA Hiring Process. All announcements close at 11:59PM EDT on the closing date listed. Be sure to complete and submit your application by that time in order to be considered.ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Both applicants for employment and current employees of NGA are entitled to request religious accommodations from generally applicable employment-related rules and requirements, so long as the accommodation requested would not result in an undue hardship to the conduct of NGA's business. You can apply for the job opening at https://careers.nga.mil/psp/CAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=20260104&PostingSeq=2 Agency contact information Recruitment Phone 571-557-1999 Email Recruitment@nga.mil AddressNATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Mailstop:
S44-HDR 7500 GEOINT
Drive Springfield, VA 22150 US Next steps After visiting the NGA Careers Portal and applying via NGA's online application process, applicants can follow their status via that same NGA online application functionality. Several other topics relating to what is involved in the hiring process and how long it takes can be found by visiting the NGA Hiring Process. Overview Accepting applications Open & closing dates 05/11/2026 to 06/06/2026 Salary $76,573- $141,880 per year Pay scale & grade IA 03 Location Many vacancies in the following location: Saint Louis, MO 1 vacancy Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel
- Occasional Travel Required Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent
- This is a permanent position. Work schedule Full-time
- Full Time Service Excepted Promotion potential 03 Job family (Series) 1372 Geodesy Supervisory status No Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Drug test Yes Announcement number 20260104 Control number 865960500
Similar remote jobs
UNC Health Care System
Chapel Hill, NC
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago
Toast
Fort Worth, TX
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago
Similar jobs in Saint Louis, MO
SSM Health
Saint Louis, MO
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago
Aya Healthcare
Saint Louis, MO
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago
Similar jobs in Missouri
OAP Transportation, LLC d/b/a O'Reilly Auto Parts
West Alton, MO
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago
Epiphany Dermatology
Riverside, MO
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago
Federal Aviation Administration
Saint Ann, MO
Posted2 days ago
Updated23 hours ago