Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving complex problems across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. As a federally funded research and development center, we work with a dynamic portfolio of programs and customers, spanning the entire capability lifecycle—from concept and architecture design to performance assessment and application of space and space‑enabled capabilities.

• Hybrid work model based in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM. Expect at least 4 days a week onsite, as the business needs allow.

• Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft across LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth‑centric regimes.
• Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design for orbit transfer, station‑keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events.
• Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion.
• Evaluating contested mission applications to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency.
• Exploring and defining the evolving Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) mission area.
• Maneuver and orbit design for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives under complex operational constraints.
• Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems.
• Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment & transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on‑call emerging events.
• Utilizing optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities, both stand‑alone services and ready‑to‑integrate submodules.
• Combining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for complex analysis and decision‑making trade spaces.
• Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate a modern internal tool base.
• Leveraging external tools such as ASSET, GPOPS‑II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc., when appropriate.

• 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.
• Integrated, multidisciplinary RPO system simulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines.
• Two years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB.
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Strong preference for a TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access; applicants will be submitted for this clearance upon hiring if not already possessing it.

• Five or more years of relevant technical work or a Ph.D.
• Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions.
• Ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and deliver high‑quality, relevant end products to a range of customers.

• Advanced degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines (strongly desired).
• Graduate‑level coursework, research, and/or experience in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation,…