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 highly-trained 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. The Trajectory Optimization Analyst (Member of Technical Staff- Flight Mechanics/ Senior Member of Technical Staff- Flight Mechanics) will provide trajectory optimization and analysis 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).
Work Model
This is a full-time position nominally based in El Segundo, CA with consideration in Colorado Springs, CO. The role will require 100% onsite work with occasional remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You’ll Be Doing:
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Support the evolving U.S. national space enterprise by working on the hardest and most complex flight mechanics, optimization, and astrodynamics problems from conceptual design studies through operations and end-of-life phases.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Member of Technical Staff- Flight Mechanics:
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Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is required
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2 years of experience of flight mechanics, maneuver optimization, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or trajectory modeling and simulation, particularly to non-traditional orbit regimes is required
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Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB
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Working knowledge of optimization theory and advanced numerical methods
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Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
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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:
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5 years of applicable professional experience of flight mechanics, maneuver optimization, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or trajectory modeling and simulation, particularly to non-traditional orbit regimes is required
How You Can Stand Out
It would be 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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8 years of applicable professional experience of flight mechanics, maneuver optimization, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or trajectory modeling and simulation, particularly to non-traditional orbit regimes is preferred
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Graduate Level Course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: Orbit mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation
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The ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SSBI (SCI) clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance (applicant will be submitted for this clearance 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 - Max)
$95,200 - $165,500
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:
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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
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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
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Flexible spending accounts
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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
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Relocation assistance
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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
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Education assistance programs
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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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.