Multi-Domain Trajectory Design Engineer/Senior Multi-Domain Trajectory Design Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

3d•Hybrid

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department (EMFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi- objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. We are seeking an Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist to join the EMFDD team. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.
Typically eight or more years of experience of relevant technical work (for Engineering Specialist)
Twelve or more years of experience of relevant technical work (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously and to serve as a technical point-of-contact.
Demonstrated technical team leadership and mentorship skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
The ability to lead and execute large and sustained technical efforts with vision to propose, scope, and coordinate these efforts across organizational boundaries (for Senior Engineering Specialist)

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.
Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)
Experience with nonlinear programming (non-linear programming), direct transcription methods for control optimization, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Experience with multi-disciplinary design and optimization (MDO) techniques for aerospace vehicles
Demonstrated success in project/team leadership roles while managing resources, staffing, and technical milestones and deliveries
Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC) and other personnel.
Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers.
Experience in spacecraft or launch operations.
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.
Current SAP access.

Responsibilities

Trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles
Missile system and missile defense engagement simulation and performance analysis
Multi-domain mission design for systems transiting orbital and atmospheric regimes
Constrained optimal control determination for vehicles with aerodynamic and/or propulsive forces (chemical, electric, other)
Contested space mission evaluation: threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and system resiliency improvement
CONOPS development, TTP exploration, and operational constraint integration for space, near-space, and reentry systems
Development of new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithm development for stand-alone services and integration-ready submodules
Algorithm and software R&D to maintain modern internal tool base
Application of external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities
Cislunar and exploration-class trajectory optimization and application of dynamical systems theory
Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis
Reentry risk and range safety assessments
Astrodynamics analysis: orbit propagation, maneuver design/optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry
Operational support for nominal launch, spacecraft deployment/transfer, anomaly resolution, and emerging events
Maneuver and orbit design/optimization for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) with complex constraints
Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes

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