2026 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. They are seeking an Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Engineer to provide flight mechanics expertise and support analysis, research, and development requests in the cislunar domain and multi-objective trajectory design for various vehicles.ResponsibilitiesHypersonic/high-speed air system, missile, interceptor, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimizationMissile system engagement simulation and performance analysisCislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimizationTime-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysisAstrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry eventsAnalysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsionEvaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliencyDeveloping Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space and near-space systemsProviding operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging eventsUtilizing optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities to service customer requests as stand-alone services and/or ready-to-integrate submodulesPerforming research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool baseLeveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilitiesManeuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives with complex operational constraintsTrajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimesSkillsMaster's or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)0-1 years of relevant professional, technical work experienceExperience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehiclesProficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLABEffective written and verbal communication skillsWilling to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearanceDemonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functionsThe ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customersResearch or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related fieldExperience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)Experience with nonlinear programming (non-linear programming), direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variationsAdvanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experienceExperience with contested space and/or missile defense trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming eventsExperience with missile warning and tracking and/or space domain awareness systems or applicationsAbility to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC) and other personnelExperience directly interfacing with senior government customersExperience in spacecraft, launch, or missile operationsCurrent SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearanceCurrent SAP accessBenefitsComprehensive health care and wellness plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectCompany OverviewAs the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space. It was founded in 1960, and is headquartered in El Segundo, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.aerospace.org.



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