Mission Planning and Optimization 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 diverse and 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, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles.

We are looking for a Member of Technical Staff/Senior Member of Technical Staff to contribute technical expertise to complex optimization and mission planning challenges.

The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests employing trajectory optimization, tree search algorithms, combinatorial optimization, orbital mechanics/astrodynamics, and decision-making under uncertainty.

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, civil and commercial organizations.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.

What You Need To Be Successful

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 one or more of the following subjects: 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%)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

• Five or more years of experience of relevant technical work
• Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions
• 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 would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• 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 the following areas: 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.

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 Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.