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 diverse and 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. 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
This is a full-time positionbased in El Segundo, CA,Albuquerque, NM,Colorado Springs, CO,Chantilly, VA or Huntsville, AL,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
Primary Support
Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization
Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization
Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis
Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events
Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion
Evaluating contestedmissionsapplications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency
Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of spaceand near-spacesystems
Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
Utilizingoptimalcontrol, 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
Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate andmaintaina healthy and modern internal tool base
Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. whereappropriate toaugment internally developed capabilities
Additional
inter-department partnership collaborations opportunities:
Maneuver and orbit design,selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)objectiveswith complex operational constraints
Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missionsoperatingin LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum
Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics,or related technical discipline.
At leasttwoyears of relevantprofessional,technical work experience.
Experience in one or more of the following subjects:space mission analysis and design,advancedastrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling,multi-objective optimization,trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
Proficiencywith one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities(approx. 10%)
This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the
minimum
Five or more years of experience of relevant technical work
Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions
The ability tooperateindependently, 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
Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.
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)
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
Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC)and other personnel.
Experience directlyinterfacing withsenior government customers.
Experience in spacecraft or launch operations.
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.
Current SAPaccess.
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:
Comprehens
