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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Launch Trajectory Optimization Section provides trajectory analysis and optimization support for a diverse portfolio of space programs ranging from spacecraft, launch, and reentry, and hypersonic vehicles, for Earth-centric and occasionally interplanetary missions. The Mission Design Analyst position with play a pivotal role supporting a dynamic range of a system's life-cycle including conceptual design/technology assessment, pre-launch support for on-contract programs, launch and on-orbit transfer phases including Mission Ops, and eventually end-of-life support. The analyst will conduct communications and briefings to key stakeholders (both internal and external) the results of engineering analysis and perform/learn the key functions listed below. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving a variety of vehicle flight mechanics and astrodynamics (orbital mechanics) problems

• Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of launch vehicles, upper stages, spacecraft, and reentry vehicles

• Implement optimization theory to solve problems using calculus of variations approaches and/or non-linear programming techniques, as appropriate

• Develop methodology and tools for performing range safety analysis including vehicle reentry and over-flight risk assessments

• Drive mission success supporting all phases of launch vehicle operations

• Implement scripting techniques to perform parametric studies and continuation methodologies

• Utilize numerical methods to analyze flight mechanics problems including numerical integration, root-solving problems, and coordinate transformations.

• Communicate results of engineering analysis to internal and external key stakeholders including department leadership, program office and customer personnel

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical Engineering, applied physics or related technical discipline from an accredited program OR Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience

• Working knowledge in one or more of the following areas: flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation, orbit mechanics, statistical analysis

• Strong grasp of the fundamentals of classical mechanics

• Experience in one or more of the following: C, C++, Fortran, Python, MATLAB

• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience in launch vehicle trajectory design and/or guidance/navigation/control

• Prior experience in one of the following: POST, OTIS, GPOPS, ASTOS

• Ability to solve complex problems with little or no supervision

• Course work in aerospace vehicle flight mechanics, analytical mechanics, and automatic control

• Graduate level course work in numerical methods, optimization, and optimal control

• Demonstrated experience as the key technical contributor in complex aerospace projects

• Possess strong initiative and motivation for successful task execution

• Experience in a Unix environment

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.