2027 GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst for its Vehicle Systems Division, within the Control Analysis Department. The department analyzes satellite attitude and payload pointing estimation and control systems for national security, civil, and commercial space programs, applying established space-vehicle expertise alongside modern methods and emerging technologies. In this role, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide technical oversight and analysis throughout program lifecycles, including conceptual studies, prototyping, source selection, development, and operations. The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. Training and mentorship will be provided. Duties and activities may change or be assigned as needed.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months.
- 0–1 year of industry work experience.
- Graduate-level coursework and/or in-depth, hands-on experience in one or more of: control system design and analysis, estimation theory, or dynamics.
- Experience developing control and dynamics simulations.
- Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB/Simulink.
- Working knowledge of C/C++.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months.
- Software development proficiency, including version control (Git), containerization (Docker), cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, Mac), ROS/Gazebo, and distributed computing.
- Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) scenarios.
- Experience with computer vision algorithms, image processing, or point-cloud analysis.
- Experience with mobile robotics, guidance algorithms, or trajectory optimization.
- Experience with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), unscented Kalman filters (UKFs), particle filters, or factor graphs.
- Experience with data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or reinforcement learning.
- Proficiency in payload pointing estimation and control.
- Proficiency in spacecraft attitude determination and control.
- Proficiency in Kalman filtering and stochastic processes.
- Proficiency in advanced control techniques and applications.
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation of control systems.
- Proficiency in multibody and flexible-body dynamics.
- Proficiency in implementation, testing, deployment, and calibration of control systems.
- Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Responsibilities
- Participate in the design, simulation, analysis, and evaluation of spacecraft and payload control systems across national security, civil, and commercial programs.
- Support concept development, trade studies, source selections, requirements analyses, risk assessments, design analyses, simulation development, prototyping, test planning and execution, operations support, and anomaly resolution.
- Communicate technical results orally and in writing, interacting directly with government customers, program management, and contractors.
- Research, develop, and document new analysis tools and techniques.
- Engage with subject matter experts in continuous learning to advance state-of-the-art technical analysis.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- 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
