The Aerospace Corporation · 1 week ago
Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Engineer
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$110K/yr - $166K/yr
3+ years expThe Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. The Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Engineer will provide flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain and support a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, collaborating with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions.
AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization
Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and 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 contested missions applications 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 space and near-space systems
Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
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
Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base
Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities
Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives with complex operational constraints
Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes
Qualification
Required
MS or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
Three or more years of related industry/work experience
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
Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, JavaScript
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)
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
Transcripts required
Preferred
Five or more years of related industry/work experience
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 directly interfacing with senior government customers
Experience in spacecraft or launch operations
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance
Current SAP access
Benefits
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
Company
The Aerospace Corporation
As the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tanya Pemberton
President & CEO
Ashley Kowalski
Project Leader - International Partnerships
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-12
2025-12-27
2025-12-21
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