Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer

About the role

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) of The Aerospace Corporation drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The EMFD Department within EED provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Perform optimization analysis for time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems using tree search algorithms and multi-objective optimization techniques.
• Design and optimize spacecraft maneuvers for orbit transfer, station keeping, disposal, and reentry events across cislunar and Earth-orbit missions.
• Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to the development of operational concepts.
• Develop and implement flight dynamics algorithms and tools that support the department's analytical capabilities and customer deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.
• Contribute to research and development efforts that advance the department's optimization and mission planning methodologies.

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics: BS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field; two or more years of relevant professional, technical work experience; experience in space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, 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; effective written and verbal communication skills; willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%).
• Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics: Five or more years of experience of relevant technical work; demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions; ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field; graduate level course work, research and/or experience in multi-objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, astrodynamics; 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 contested space trajectory applications; current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.

Skills

• Experience with tree search algorithms and multi-objective optimization techniques.
• Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers.

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.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.