The Aerospace Corporation Looking for Trajectory Optimization Analyst – Engineering Specialist (Security Clearance Required) Full Time

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highlytrained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Trajectory Design and Optimization Department is looking for highly talented and motivated candidates to join our growing team. Our Trajectory Optimization Analysts provide trajectory support for our nation’s most difficult problems across a variety of vehicle types (launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, hypersonic vehicles, and reentry vehicles) and domains (Earth-centric, cislunar, and occasionally interplanetary missions). As part of our team, selected candidates will lead and provide critical insights to a wide range of National Security Space (USSF, DARPA, other DoD organizations), Civil (NASA, NOAA, FAA), and Commercial customers.

This full-time position offers a hybrid work model based in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Albuquerque, NM, combining regular onsite work with remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Supporting the evolving U.S. national space enterprise by developing and applying advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics, orbit mechanics, and astrodynamics problems

• Inventing capabilities that strengthen our nation while advancing the state of practice within the trajectory optimization community

• Performing trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, launch vehicles, hypersonic vehicles, missiles, and reentry vehicles, from conceptual design studies through operations and end-of-life phases

• You will partner within one of four sub-organizations (Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization Section, Launch Trajectory Optimization Section, Advanced Trajectory Optimization Section, or the Contested Missions Office) , based on skillset and current customer needs

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Engineering Specialist

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

• Eight or more years of experience of flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or trajectory modeling and simulation

• Working knowledge of optimization theory and advanced numerical methods

• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Matlab and experience in a Unix environment

• 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

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in aerospace/astronautical engineering, physics or applied math, or related disciplines, with research or project work in trajectory modeling, simulation, and/or optimization

• Experience building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, and/or reentry vehicles

• Familiarity 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

• Proficiency with cislunar trajectory design and optimization

• Knowledge with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) design and optimization

• Experience with launch vehicle, missile/interceptor, and/or reentry vehicle (hypersonics) trajectory design and optimization

• Proficiency with contested space trajectory applications

• Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience

• Experience with GOTS/COTS trajectory design and optimization tools including GPOPS-II, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, STK, or similar.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI (SCI) security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly desired. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.(Applicant will be submitted for this upon hiring if they do not currently possess it)

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 – Mid – Max)

$103,285 – $168,019 – $232,752

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.