2026 GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

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 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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. Within VSD, the Control Analysis Department (CAD) focuses on providing satellite attitude and payload pointing estimation and control system analysis for a wide variety of space programs/systems ranging from DoD and NRO to commercial. Applications may include small pathfinding CubeSats with prototype payloads (weighing a few kilograms total), all the way up to the more exquisite GPS constellation upon which countless users rely every day. In response to the rapidly evolving space environment of today, CAD leverages state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and knowledge to outpace the threat of tomorrow. As part of the Aerospace Corporation FFRDC, however, CAD is also better able to ensure such agile approaches are well-anchored in heritage proficiencies of space vehicle attitude control, dynamics, and estimation and payload pointing. From this fundamental foundation, this department engages in cutting-edge research and applies modern methods to emerging and related topics such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics to solve new and increasingly challenging problems. As a Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders supporting all phases of a program lifecycle: conceptual studies, prototyping, source selection, development, and operations. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Experience with developing control and dynamics simulations
Graduate level coursework and/or in-depth, hands-on experience in one or more of the following: control system design and analysis, estimation theory, or advanced dynamics
Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB/Simulink
Working knowledge with C/C++
This position requires the 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.
Transcripts
PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
Proficiency in an area related to spacecraft attitude determination and control

Nice To Haves

3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
Proficiency with software development: version control (Git), containerization (Docker), cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, Mac), ROS / Gazebo, and distributed computing
Experience with special topics including, but not limited to: Rendezvous, proximity, operations, and docking (RPOD) scenarios
Computer vision algorithms, image processing, point-cloud analysis
Mobile robotics, guidance algorithms, trajectory optimization
Simultaneous localization & mapping (SLAM), unscented Kalman filters (UKFs), particle filters, factor graphs
Data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks
Proficiency with one or more of the following: Spacecraft attitude determination and control Payload pointing estimation and control Kalman filtering and stochastic processes Advanced control techniques and applications Modeling and simulation of control systems Multibody and flexible body dynamics Implementation, testing, deploying, and calibration of control systems
Eagerness to continue learning
A current and Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Participate in design, simulation, analysis, and evaluation of spacecraft and payload control systems on a variety of National Security Space programs, civil programs, and commercial programs.
Perform tasks in support of concept development, trade studies, source selections, requirements analyses, risk assessments, design analyses, simulation development, prototyping, test planning and execution, operations support, and anomaly resolution.
Communicate technical results both orally and in writing, interacting directly with government customers, program management, and contractors.
Research, develop, and document new analysis tools and techniques.
Engage with subject matter experts in continuous learning to drive the state-of-the-art technical analysis.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Benefits

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