Space Enterprise Optimization Analyst/ Space Enterprise Optimization Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

5d•$100,300 - $175,900•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 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 wide-ranging 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 Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) is in EED’s Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS). We bring to bear expertise in a wide variety of fields to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, focusing on the performance modeling, analysis, and optimization of orbits, mission architectures, and acquisition portfolios to inform the future of the national space enterprise. As part of SEDOD and EDS, a member of our technical staff will employ and develop sophisticated simulation tools to perform space and ground design, optimization, and analysis in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling. Additionally, this staff member will leverage optimization techniques to enable our customers to make data-driven decisions regarding portfolio composition, budget planning, and commercial purchasing. They will act as a technical expert for a portfolio of high-impact projects, in addition to working on teams and collaborating with other analysts to expand their domain knowledge.

Requirements

B.S. degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering
Four or more years of relevant and progressive professional experience
Experience with constellation design, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry
Significant history of making effective contributions to a wide range of technical analysis or development projects
Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously act as a technical point-of-contact
Lead and mentor small teams in conducting routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts
Knowledge of Python, C, C++, MATLAB, or another programming language
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (TS/SCI), which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
6 or more years of relevant experience
Familiarity with one or more of the following: optimization techniques, space network design, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry
Significant history of consistent contribution to multiple substantial technical analytical or development projects through their successful fruition
Strong personal accountability, demonstrated growth mindset, and adaptable to changing customer expectations

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering
Graduate level course work or extensive knowledge in optimization techniques, genetic algorithms, space network design, orbital mechanics, space satellite constellation performance modeling and/or mathematics related to satellite access geometry
Work history in one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, space protection, or satellite communication networks supporting defense or intelligence capabilities
Familiarity with Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) principles, particularly access geometry considerations for electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) collection systems
Experience with the use of Unix or Linux platforms
Extensive knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios
Current SCI access with a current Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph

Responsibilities

Independently and collaboratively providing subject matter expertise to program offices and government customers in the areas of space architecture design and optimization, space network design, orbital analysis, and space security and defense
Leveraging in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools to deliver technical insights through analytical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in department focus areas
Contributing to efforts expanding department optimization capabilities to support a broader set of mission domains and architectures
Developing and presenting timely and technically-accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers
Building and maintaining a strong base of customers and collaborators for the department through effective working relationships with cross-organization partners, government customers, and contractor teammates
Identifying and instigating opportunities to sustain, develop, and grow simulation and analysis capabilities to support new functional areas for a diverse customer base
Supporting department growth by technical mentoring of junior staff members in one or more department capability areas
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