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.
Lead the Flight Dynamics Team Advancing Critical Space Missions
Space operations have entered a new era. Launch vehicles push the boundaries of performance. Spacecraft execute increasingly complex maneuvers across diverse mission profiles. Whether supporting national security, civil space agencies, or commercial operators, every mission-critical decision depends on precise flight dynamics analysis.
The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing technicalexpertiseto the nation's space programs. We deliver innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.
The Opportunity
The Mission Operations Subdivision seeks aDirectorfor ourEarth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department(EOFD). Lead a world-class team of trajectory optimization experts, orbital mechanics specialists, and operations analysts supportingEarth-orbitingspace missions from launch to end-of-life.
Partner directly with DoW, Intelligence Community, and Civil & Commercial organizations to develop trajectory solutions, maneuver strategies, and operational tactics for America's space assets in an increasinglycongested,contested domain.
Why This Role Matters
Flight dynamicsexpertiseunderpins mission success across national security, civil, and commercial space. Thedepartment'sscoperangesfrom traditional orbital mechanics support to real-time warfighting analysis, resiliency assessment, and dynamic space operations.
As Director, you will:
Drive strategic vision for flight dynamics capabilities across launch vehicles, spacecraft maneuvers,andmission operations
Advance space operations through innovative tactics developmentandmission architecture analysis
Shape technical investment in trajectory optimization tools, astrodynamics frameworks, and AI/ML-enabled mission planning systems
Mentor the next generation of experts across flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and trajectory optimization
Bridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate innovation
Your Impact
As Director,you'llhave the authority and platform to:
Partner with senior leaders across government agencies, military organizations, and space operators on critical flight dynamics challenges
Lead a geographically distributed team of engineers across Aerospace locations
Advance trajectory optimization, maneuver planning, and space operations capabilities supporting critical missions
Mentor and develop technical talent across a growing portfolio ofcustomerprograms
Work Model
Full-time position,minimum four days per week onsitebased inChantilly, VA;Colorado Springs, CO; orEl Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a strategic vision for a multi-location department, managing25+technical staffand managers
Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EOFD as the technical authority in Earth-orbit flight dynamics and trajectory optimization
FormulatebusinessstrategiesalongsideEngineering and TechnologyGrouppartnersin criticalflight mechanicsdomains, such astactics development, spacecraftmaneuverdesign,or rendezvous and proximity operations
AdviseAerospaceleadershipon technical investmentsandorganizationalstrategies
Technical Innovation
Drive flight dynamics excellence across launch vehicle trajectory design, multi-burn orbit transfers, and electric/hybrid propulsion optimization
InfuseAI/MLintooptimizationtechniquesto transform trajectory designforlaunchandEarth-orbitingflight regimes
Collaborate across divisions to integrate flight dynamics with space domain awareness and multi-disciplinary mission analysis
Business Development & Customer Engagement
Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, NASA, and commercial space operators
Drive business development and capture planning for organizational growth in advanced mission operations and responsive space capabilities
Represent the department atcustomer engagements,corporate forums, and technical conferences
Team Development
Lead workforce development initiatives including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retention strategies
Manage department resourcesincludingstaffing, facilities, and classified IT infrastructure
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence
What You Need to be Successful (Minimum Requirements)
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field
10+years of progressively responsibletechnicalexperiencesin flight dynamics, astrodynamics, or trajectory design
Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, andR&D portfoliodevelopment
Executive-level customer relationships withdemonstratedsuccess building partnerships across organizations
Business development acumen withproventrack recordofexpanding customer relationships
Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, industry partners, and internal stakeholders
Experience managing distributed teams across multiple geographic locations
Strategic thinking to synthesize complex technical, programmatic, and customer needs into actionable vision
Collaborative leadership fostering excellence across organizational boundaries
Willingness to travel domestically based on organizational and customer needs
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access
How You Can Stand Out
Academic Excellence
Advanced degree (Master'sor Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, astronautics, applied mathematics, or related field
Technical Depth
Deepexpertisein launch vehicle trajectory design, electric/hybrid propulsion mission design, complex space operations and resiliency analysis, or high-fidelity orbital mechanics
Knowledge of AI/ML applications for trajectory optimization and automated mission design
Mission Experience
Track recorddeveloping and maturing flight dynamics operationalcapabilities from concept to operations
Operational experiencesupportingdirect flight operations,exercises,wargaming,oroperational decision-making
Additional Areas
Demonstratedsupervisoryexperience in aerospace, defense, or national security organizations
FFRDC experience or similar advisory roles supporting government decision-making
Experience bridging commercial, defense, and civil space sectors with multi-disciplinary systems engineering background
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)
$185,100.00 - $277,600.00
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 c
