Multi-Domain Trajectory Design 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 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department (EMFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. We are seeking a Member of the Technical Staff/Senior Member of the Technical Staff to join the EMFDD team. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, 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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This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA or Albuquerque, NM, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll be Doing:

Primary Support

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Trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles

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Missile system and missile defense engagement simulation and performance analysis

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Multi-domain mission design for systems transiting orbital and atmospheric regimes

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Constrained optimal control determination for vehicles with aerodynamic and/or propulsive forces (chemical, electric, other)

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Contested space mission evaluation: threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and system resiliency improvement

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CONOPS development, TTP exploration, and operational constraint integration for space, near-space, and reentry systems

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Development of new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithm development for stand-alone services and integration-ready submodules

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Algorithm and software R&D to maintain modern internal tool base

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

Additional support opportunities:

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Cislunar and exploration-class trajectory optimization and application of dynamical systems theory

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Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis

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Reentry risk and range safety assessments

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Astrodynamics analysis: orbit propagation, maneuver design/optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry

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Operational support for nominal launch, spacecraft deployment/transfer, anomaly resolution, and emerging events

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Maneuver and orbit design/optimization for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) with complex constraints

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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

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics:

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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.

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At least two years of relevant professional, technical work experience.

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Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles

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Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.

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Effective written and verbal communication skills.

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Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)

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This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics position include:

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Typically five or more years of experience of relevant technical work

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Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions

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The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers

How You Can Stand Out

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

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Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.

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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

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)
$95,200.00 - $165,500.00

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