Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer

Overview

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.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space‑enabled capabilities.

As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi‑objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans‑atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. We are looking for an Engineering Specialist to serve as a technical expert and local point of contact for our customer organizations.

The selected candidate will tackle complex optimization and mission planning challenges, requiring expertise in areas such as trajectory optimization, tree search algorithms, combinatorial optimization, orbital mechanics/astrodynamics, and decision‑making under uncertainty. This role combines technical depth with strong communication abilities to influence stakeholders and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. As the department's local technical representative, you’ll lead analysis efforts, mentor junior staff, and help identify new opportunities for our most challenging customer problems.

• This is a full‑time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

• Serve as a technical representative, building strategic relationships with program offices and delivering specialized analysis for defense, intelligence, civil and commercial organizations.
• Perform and lead complex optimization analysis for time‑dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems using tree search algorithms and multi‑objective optimization techniques.
• Design and optimize spacecraft maneuvers for orbit transfer, station keeping, disposal, and reentry events across cislunar and Earth‑orbit missions.
• Evaluate contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and develop resilient Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
• Develop innovative flight dynamics tools and algorithms that expand the department's analytical capabilities and directly address emerging customer needs.
• Mentor junior staff and foster knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary teams to strengthen the department's technical expertise.

• BS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field.
• Eight or more years of related industry/work experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi‑objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles.
• Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, JavaScript.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high‑quality, innovative, and specialized end products to a range of customers.
• Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities…