The Aerospace Corporation
2025 Flight Dynamics Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87101
Overview
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. We operate as an FFRDC engaged across the space domain, delivering solutions for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicles and space vehicles. We are seeking a
Member of the Technical Staff
to support a wide range of flight dynamics analyses and development efforts, collaborating with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions. What You’ll Be Doing
Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design for orbit transfer, stationkeeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion Evaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) with complex constraints Developing CONOPS, exploring TTPs, and incorporating operational constraints into space system design and maturation Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call events Using optimal control, flight mechanics, and software development to create new capabilities as stand-alone services or submodules Combining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces Research and development of new flight dynamics tools to maintain a modern internal tool base Utilizing external tools (ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc.) to augment capabilities where appropriate Additional Collaboration Opportunities
Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis (multi-destination, multi-vehicle frameworks) Integrated multi-disciplinary RPO system simulations Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for the Member of the Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics position : Master’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines 0–1 years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or related areas Proficiency in one or more programming languages/environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, JavaScript, Linux, and/or MATLAB Willing to travel domestically ~10% Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance (US citizenship required for clearance); TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access will be sponsored upon hire if not currently held Transcripts required for this position What You Need To Be Successful : PhD degree strongly desired in related fields Graduate coursework or research in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, and related areas Experience with analysis software or developing tools that integrate numerical methods with orbital/flight mechanics and optimization Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic/evolutionary/heuristic methods, indirect methods, or calculus of variations Strong algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access is a plus Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package based on performance. The listed pay range is a guideline; actual salaries are determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Min - Max: $100,000 - $120,000 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership and Rewards
Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Benefits vary by job type. Highlights include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, flexible schedules including telework, 401(k) with company matching contributions, flexible spending accounts, relocation assistance, professional development, education assistance, and an inclusive work environment. Equal Opportunity
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics. For accessibility assistance, contact 310.336.5432 or peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Note: This description contains the information applicable to the role and should be used for recruitment purposes.
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The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. We operate as an FFRDC engaged across the space domain, delivering solutions for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicles and space vehicles. We are seeking a
Member of the Technical Staff
to support a wide range of flight dynamics analyses and development efforts, collaborating with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions. What You’ll Be Doing
Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design for orbit transfer, stationkeeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion Evaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) with complex constraints Developing CONOPS, exploring TTPs, and incorporating operational constraints into space system design and maturation Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call events Using optimal control, flight mechanics, and software development to create new capabilities as stand-alone services or submodules Combining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces Research and development of new flight dynamics tools to maintain a modern internal tool base Utilizing external tools (ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc.) to augment capabilities where appropriate Additional Collaboration Opportunities
Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis (multi-destination, multi-vehicle frameworks) Integrated multi-disciplinary RPO system simulations Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for the Member of the Technical Staff – Flight Mechanics position : Master’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines 0–1 years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or related areas Proficiency in one or more programming languages/environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, JavaScript, Linux, and/or MATLAB Willing to travel domestically ~10% Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance (US citizenship required for clearance); TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access will be sponsored upon hire if not currently held Transcripts required for this position What You Need To Be Successful : PhD degree strongly desired in related fields Graduate coursework or research in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, and related areas Experience with analysis software or developing tools that integrate numerical methods with orbital/flight mechanics and optimization Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic/evolutionary/heuristic methods, indirect methods, or calculus of variations Strong algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access is a plus Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package based on performance. The listed pay range is a guideline; actual salaries are determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Min - Max: $100,000 - $120,000 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership and Rewards
Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Benefits vary by job type. Highlights include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, flexible schedules including telework, 401(k) with company matching contributions, flexible spending accounts, relocation assistance, professional development, education assistance, and an inclusive work environment. Equal Opportunity
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics. For accessibility assistance, contact 310.336.5432 or peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Note: This description contains the information applicable to the role and should be used for recruitment purposes.
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