Director – Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

8d•$185,100 - $277,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Director for its Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFD) within the Mission Operations Subdivision. This role involves leading a team of experts in trajectory optimization, orbital mechanics, and operations analysis to support Earth-orbiting space missions throughout their lifecycle. The Director will partner with government agencies (DoW, Intelligence Community) and civil/commercial organizations to develop trajectory solutions, maneuver strategies, and operational tactics for national space assets in a complex environment. Flight dynamics expertise is crucial for mission success across national security, civil, and commercial space, encompassing orbital mechanics, real-time warfighting analysis, resiliency assessment, and dynamic space operations. As Director, the individual will drive strategic vision, advance space operations through innovative tactics, shape technical investments in tools and frameworks, mentor future experts, and bridge various communities to foster innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field.
10+ years of progressively responsible technical experiences in flight dynamics, astrodynamics, or trajectory design.
Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development.
Executive-level customer relationships with demonstrated success building partnerships across organizations.
Business development acumen with proven track record of expanding customer relationships.
Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, industry partners, and internal stakeholders.
Experience managing distributed teams across multiple geographic locations.
Strategic thinking to synthesize complex technical, programmatic, and customer needs into actionable vision.
Collaborative leadership fostering excellence across organizational boundaries.
Willingness to travel domestically based on organizational and customer needs.
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access.
U.S. citizenship is required for positions requiring a Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, astronautics, applied mathematics, or related field.
Deep expertise in launch vehicle trajectory design, electric/hybrid propulsion mission design, complex space operations and resiliency analysis, or high-fidelity orbital mechanics.
Knowledge of AI/ML applications for trajectory optimization and automated mission design.
Track record developing and maturing flight dynamics operational capabilities from concept to operations.
Operational experience supporting direct flight operations, exercises, wargaming, or operational decision-making.
Demonstrated supervisory experience in aerospace, defense, or national security organizations.
FFRDC experience or similar advisory roles supporting government decision-making.
Experience bridging commercial, defense, and civil space sectors with multi-disciplinary systems engineering background.

Responsibilities

Drive strategic vision for flight dynamics capabilities across launch vehicles, spacecraft maneuvers, and mission operations.
Advance space operations through innovative tactics development and mission architecture analysis.
Shape technical investment in trajectory optimization tools, astrodynamics frameworks, and AI/ML-enabled mission planning systems.
Mentor the next generation of experts across flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and trajectory optimization.
Bridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate innovation.
Develop and execute a strategic vision for a multi-location department, managing 25+ technical staff and managers.
Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EOFD as the technical authority in Earth-orbit flight dynamics and trajectory optimization.
Formulate business strategies alongside Engineering and Technology Group partners in critical flight mechanics domains.
Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies.
Drive flight dynamics excellence across launch vehicle trajectory design, multi-burn orbit transfers, and electric/hybrid propulsion optimization.
Infuse AI/ML into optimization techniques to transform trajectory design for launch and Earth-orbiting flight regimes.
Collaborate across divisions to integrate flight dynamics with space domain awareness and multi-disciplinary mission analysis.
Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, NASA, and commercial space operators.
Drive business development and capture planning for organizational growth in advanced mission operations and responsive space capabilities.
Represent the department at customer engagements, corporate forums, and technical conferences.
Lead workforce development initiatives including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retention strategies.
Manage department resources including staffing, facilities, and classified IT infrastructure.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

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