RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer/Sr. RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

13h•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 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. The RPO Analysis and Integration Department (RAID) is one of EED’s premier orbital engagement and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) modeling and analysis groups. We deliver impactful mission-level modeling, simulation and integration support to a variety of military and civil customers to enable the key missions that will service and protect critical space infrastructure. We are looking for a n RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer ( Member of Technical Staff/Senior Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics ) to join the RAID 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, civil , and commercial organizations. Work Model This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA , offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics BS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
Two or more years o f professional, technical work experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics , trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination, state estimation, relative navigation, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling
Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is to obtain a security clearance.
Five or more years of experience of relevant technical work or PhD
Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions
The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers

Nice To Haves

MS or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
Graduate level course work, research , and/or experience in the following areas: space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination , state estimation, relative navigation
Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for spacecraft or related vehicles
Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP clearance

Responsibilities

Develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), explor e Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporat e complex operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems that support RPO objectives
Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to the development of operational concepts.
Perform research and development and build new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base that supports customer deliverables.
Combin e AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling to assess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.
Occasional travel to support customer efforts

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.
The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.
Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
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