Multi-Domain Trajectory Design Engineer/Senior 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 deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

About the role

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department (EMFDD) 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. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests while collaborating with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions for complex problems. Customers include defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial organizations.

Responsibilities

• Trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles
• Missile system and missile defense engagement simulation and performance analysis
• Multi-domain mission design for systems transiting orbital and atmospheric regimes
• Constrained optimal control determination for vehicles with aerodynamic and/or propulsive forces (chemical, electric, other)
• Contested space mission evaluation: threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and system resiliency improvement
• CONOPS development, TTP exploration, and operational constraint integration for space, near-space, and reentry systems
• Development of new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithm development for stand-alone services and integration-ready submodules
• Algorithm and software R&D to maintain modern internal tool base
• Application of external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc.
• Cislunar and exploration-class trajectory optimization and application of dynamical systems theory
• Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis
• Reentry risk and range safety assessments
• Astrodynamics analysis: orbit propagation, maneuver design/optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry
• Operational support for nominal launch, spacecraft deployment/transfer, anomaly resolution, and emerging events
• Maneuver and orbit design/optimization for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) with complex constraints
• Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline
• For Engineering Specialist: Typically eight or more years of relevant technical work experience
• For Senior Engineering Specialist: Twelve or more years of relevant technical work experience
• Experience in one or more of the following: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, trajectory simulation, and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
• Proficiency with one or more programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB
• Ability to support multiple programs and serve as a technical point-of-contact
• Demonstrated technical team leadership and mentorship skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (~10%)
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• For Senior Engineering Specialist: Ability to lead and execute large, sustained technical efforts with vision to propose, scope, and coordinate across organizational boundaries

Skills

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

• Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
• Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)
• Experience with nonlinear programming, direct transcription methods for control optimization, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
• Experience with multi-disciplinary design and optimization (MDO) techniques for aerospace vehicles
• Demonstrated success in project/team leadership roles managing resources, staffing, and technical milestones
• Advanced algorithm development skills, including parallel processing and scripting
• Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
• Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, and FFRDC personnel
• Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers
• Experience in spacecraft or launch operations
• Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance or current SAP access

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $129,000.00 - $249,600.00 annually. Individual salaries are determined by education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan with immediate eligibility and vesting; total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs
• Education assistance programs

Schedule

This is a full-time, in-person position based in El Segundo, CA, Huntsville, AL, or Albuquerque, NM. The role combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week with remote flexibility as business needs allow.