2027 Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

As a core component of EED, the Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicles and space vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. We are looking for a Member of the Technical Staff to provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight dynamics needs, supporting both analysis and research and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations.

Work Model

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The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM.

What You’ll Be Doing

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Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes

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Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, stationkeeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events

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Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion

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Evaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency

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Support maneuver and orbit design for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) missions

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Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems

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Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events

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Utilizing optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities to service customer requests as stand-alone services and/or ready-to-integrate submodules

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Combining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces

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Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base

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Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities

Additional inter-department collaboration opportunities:

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Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization

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Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization (including Golden Dome support)

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Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis (multi-destination, multi-vehicle trajectory frameworks)

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Integrated, multi-disciplinary RPO system simulations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Member of the Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics position:

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Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

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0-1 years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation

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Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Javascript, Linux, and/or MATLAB

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Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%

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The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance is required. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. This position will require a TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access and the chosen applicant will be submitted for this upon hiring if they do not currently possess it

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Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

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PhD degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired. (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

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Graduate level course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation

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Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)

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Experience with nonlinear programming (non-linear programming), direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations

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Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience

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Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP Access

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)
$100,000.00 - $140,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options