2026 RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer
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. 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 an RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer 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, Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as business needs allow.
Requirements
- MS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 0-1 years o f professional, technical work experience
- 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 required to obtain a security clearance.
- Transcripts required for this position
Nice To Haves
- PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 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
- 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), explore Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporate 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.
- Combine 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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
