Space Systems and Orbit Determination Operations 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 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 Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a new team member to support space mission analyses and operations. SCAD performs concept development, systems engineering, mission support, architecture analysis, algorithm development, and evaluation support for national security space customers. Mission areas include space domain awareness (SDA), positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), command and control (C2), electronic warfare (EW), and space protection and security; key technologies include Kalman filtering and orbit determination (OD) algorithms, as well as radar, electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related technical discipline
- Experience in M&S, analysis, and/or algorithm development
- Software development experience and proven capabilities in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or Java.
- Experience with and knowledge of filtering algorithms and state estimation techniques
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and interact effectively with Aerospace and contractor personnel
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other related technical discipline
- Four (4) years of applicable aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics experience
- Experience with orbit determination and satellite tracking
- Experience with GNSS and PNT applications
- Advanced knowledge of filtering algorithms and state estimation techniques
- Background in modeling of EO and radar sensor systems, particularly the Space Surveillance Network sensors
- Experience in analysis of directed energy threat mitigation concepts for EO and Infrared IR sensors
- Familiarity with machine learning and artificial intelligence for space systems
- Experience in researching, developing, and applying advanced and innovative techniques for algorithm development for directed energy threat detection and reporting
- Current TS/SCI clearance
Responsibilities
- Provide support for SDA and PNT mission areas through analysis, algorithm development, systems engineering, and modeling and simulation (M&S).
- Advise and support key stakeholders and government customers by planning, executing, and reporting on analytic studies
- Conduct analyses leveraging in-house, commercial, and government-provided M&S and analysis capabilities
- Develop system specifications, conduct tests, support exercises, and evaluate training requirements for space systems
- Perform orbit determination, target tracking, and navigation analyses using Kalman filtering and other estimation techniques
- Provide astrodynamic analytical support, algorithm development, systems engineering and architecting, and modeling and simulation analysis for space surveillance systems and missions.
- Analyze EO, IR, radar, and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms
- Conduct space protection, threat susceptibility, vulnerability, and resiliency assessments
- Develop proficiency across SDA, PNT, Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2), and space control mission areas
- Independently evaluate, select, adapt, and develop techniques and approaches to solve novel problems
- Collaborate with inter-organizational teams and external customers on matters of technical importance
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
