Flight Dynamics 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 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 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, t he Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provid es   flight mechanics   expertise   for launch vehicle s   and space vehicle s .   Relevant skills   include orbital mechanic s , astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation.   We are looking for a   Member of the Technical Staff/Senior Member of the Technical Staff   to join the EOFDD team .   T he selected candidate will   provide   expertise   for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs ,   supporting both analysis and 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

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This position will be a hybrid work model based in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM, with the expectation that the selected candidate   will work   at least   4   days a week onsite, as the business needs allow .

What   You’ll   Be Doing

Primary Support

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Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions   operating   in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes

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Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer,   stationkeep ing , graveyard, disposal, and reentry events

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Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion

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Evaluating contested mission   applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency

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Exploring and defining the evolving Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) mission area

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Maneuver and orbit design,   selection , and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)   objectives   with complex operational constraints

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Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems

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Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events

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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

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Combining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces

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Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and   maintain   a healthy and modern internal tool base

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Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where   appropriate to   augment internally developed capabilities

Additional   inter-department partnership collaborations opportunities:

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Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization

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Hypersonics , missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization

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Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis

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Integrated, multi-disciplinary RPO system simulations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum   Requirements for the Member of the Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics position:

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Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines

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Two years of experience   in   flight mechanics,   astrodynamics,   maneuver optimization,   trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design,   hypersonic vehicle modeling, or   general   trajectory modeling and simulation

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Proficiency   in one or more of the following programming languages   and environments : C, C++, Fortran, Python,   Linux, and/ or MATLAB

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Willing to travel   domestically   approx.   10%

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The ability to obtain and   maintain   a   US security clearance is   required . U.S citizenship is   required   to obtain a security clearance.

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The ability to obtain and   maintain   a TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access is strongly preferred (applicant will be   submitted   for this clearance upon hiring if they do not currently   possess   it)

In addition to the a bove, the   minimum   requirements for the Senior Member of the Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics position   include :

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Five or more   years of experience of relevant technical work   or PhD

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Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant   job   capabilities   and functions

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The ability to   operate   independently, 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   is   impressive if you have one or more of these:

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Advanced degree in   aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired

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Graduate   l evel   c ourse work,   research   and/or experience in one or more of the following areas :   o rbit al   mechanics,   astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation,   optimal   control, flight mechanics,   and/or   trajectory modeling and simulation

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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 )

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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

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Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience

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Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises ,   and wargaming events

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Current TS/SCI   and/ or   TS/ SAP Access

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 Innovati