2027 RPO Software Developer/Analyst
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 Software Developer/Analyst (Member of Technical Staff/Senior Member of Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics) to join the RAID team. The selected candidate will help architect and develop integrated multidisciplinary RPO analysis capabilities and 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.
Requirements
- MS degree from an accredited college/university program in computer science, software engineering, Aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, or related field. (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 0-1 year of industry experience
- Proficiency in C++ including software architecture, performance optimization, and algorithm development.
- Proficiency in Python including API design, module integration, and user interface development.
- Experience with modern software development, integration, and testing practices using configuration management and collaboration tools in team environments (Git, Bitbucket, Jira, GitHub, or similar).
- 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, mathematical modeling.
- 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 computer science, software engineering, engineering, mathematics, physics, or related field. (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 0-1 year industry experience
- 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.
- Experience building analysis software combining numerical methods, physics-based modeling, and optimization approaches for engineering applications.
- 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, algorithm design, mathematical modeling.
- Experience with contested space applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
- Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP clearance.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base that supports customer deliverables.
- Conduct software architecture design and assist with the integration of new workflows to meet customer needs.
- Engage with software users and customers to refine capability requirements.
- Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling to assess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces.
- 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.
- 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
