Launch Vehicle Mission Analysis GNC Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Launch Vehicle Mission Analysis GNC Engineer will coordinate Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities for the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles and Certification activities for the New Glenn launch system. This position will support the Launch Systems, Operations, and Development (LSOD) team within the Launch Systems Division to provide leadership and expertise in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Day of Launch (DOL) Winds, Mission Design and Performance, and Flight Operations. It will ensure successful execution of National Security Space Launches (NSSL) missions and conduct non-recurring validation of new capabilities.

Requirements

B.S. in Engineering or related technical field
8 or more years of applicable experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Mission Design and Performance or a related field
Familiarity with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) simulations
Knowledge of trajectory optimization
Ability to form and lead cross-disciplinary teams
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external organizations
A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
12 or more years of applicable experience
Experience leading GNC and trajectory design efforts
Involvement in complex simulation developments
Experience in leading risk assessment and anomaly resolution efforts
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with engineering, customer, and contractor personnel

Nice To Haves

Masters or PhD degree with emphasis on guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
Proficiency in launch vehicle or missile GNC and Mission Design
Experience leading complex simulation development with flight software integration
Experience with GNC algorithm development and testing
Experience with Monte Carlo analysis
Demonstrated leadership abilities
Experience with developing digital engineering tools
Familiarity with government requirements and standards related to launch vehicle GNC

Responsibilities

Support the Space Force Assured Access to Space and the Office of Space Launch
Coordinate analyses for mission design and performance, orbit insertion accuracy, stability, navigation, DOL winds, collision avoidance (COLA), and debris disposal
Ensure mission requirements compliance
Evaluate and mitigate technical risks
Assess and verify GNC algorithms, flight software parameters, and system redundancy
Provide launch support and post-flight data assessments
Lead development of new agile mission assurance capabilities and digital engineering tools

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