Autonomous Trajectory & Mission Planning Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Autonomous Trajectory & Mission Planning Engineer will provide flight mechanics expertise and technical solutions for a wide range of customer needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests. The role is part of the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department within the Enterprise Effects Division, which applies engineering expertise across the national space enterprise. Work spans flight mechanics topics including cislunar analysis, trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design. The position involves deep technical work and collaboration with engineering partners to develop integrated solutions for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers. The position is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado; El Segundo, California; Chantilly, Virginia; or Albuquerque, New Mexico, under a hybrid work model. The selected candidate is expected to work onsite at least four days a week, as business needs allow, and travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities approximately 10% of the time. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
At least two years of relevant professional technical work experience.
Experience in one or more of the following: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, or trajectory simulation and performance optimization.
Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages or tools: Python, C/C++, Fortran, or MATLAB.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities approximately 10% of the time.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
For the Senior Member of Technical Staff level: typically five or more years of relevant technical work experience.
For the Senior Member of Technical Staff level: demonstrated technical excellence in relevant job capabilities and functions.
For the Senior Member of Technical Staff level: ability to operate independently, often amid ambiguity, and deliver high-quality, relevant work products to a range of customers.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field.
Experience with sequential decision-making and optimization algorithms such as Monte Carlo Tree Search, Markov Decision Processes, Reinforcement Learning, Genetic Algorithms, or Particle Swarm Optimization.
Experience with multi-objective optimization, linear or nonlinear programming, and/or gradient-based and indirect methods.
Experience with reachable set analysis for dynamical systems.
Experience building astrodynamics or flight mechanics analysis software with integrated optimization or decision-making algorithms.
Experience with object-oriented programming, joint C++/Python development, and/or modern software development practices such as Git and version control.
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events.
Ability to build effective relationships with customers, contractors, and FFRDC personnel, including direct interaction with senior government stakeholders.
Current SSBI with active TS/SCI clearance and/or current SAP access.

Responsibilities

Conduct astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis, including orbit propagation, constellation design and optimization, and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events.
Analyze combinatorial optimization and sequential decision-making problems, including Traveling Salesman Problems, Facility Location Problems, and Markov Decision Processes.
Analyze multi-objective optimization problems using methods such as metaheuristics, mathematical programming, deterministic methods, and optimal control.
Create, augment, and use flight-mechanics-focused C++ and Python software as stand-alone tools and integration-ready submodules.
Use external tools such as SciPy, ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities.
Evaluate contested-mission applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency.
Develop Concepts of Operations, explore Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, and incorporate operational constraints into space and near-space system design and maturation.
Collaborate across departments on maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations missions with complex operational constraints.
Support cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization.
Design and optimize trajectories for hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, reentry vehicles, launch vehicles, and spacecraft.
Analyze vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion and missions in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes.
Provide operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
Flexible spending accounts.
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional growth and development programs.
Education assistance programs.
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.