Director – Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department

Director for Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department

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 Opportunity

The Mission Operations Subdivision seeks a Director for our Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFD). Lead a world-class team of trajectory optimization experts, orbital mechanics specialists, and operations analysts supporting Earth-orbiting space missions from launch to end-of-life.

Partner directly with DoW, Intelligence Community, and Civil & Commercial organizations to develop trajectory solutions, maneuver strategies, and operational tactics for America's space assets in an increasingly congested, contested domain.

Why This Role Matters

Flight dynamics expertise underpins mission success across national security, civil, and commercial space. The department's scope ranges from traditional orbital mechanics support to real-time war fighting analysis, resiliency assessment, and dynamic space operations.

As Director, you will:

• Drive strategic vision for flight dynamics capabilities across launch vehicles, spacecraft maneuvers, and mission operations
• Advance space operations through innovative tactics development and mission architecture analysis
• Shape technical investment in trajectory optimization tools, astrodynamics frameworks, and AI/ML-enabled mission planning systems
• Mentor the next generation of experts across flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and trajectory optimization
• Bridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate innovation

Your Impact

As Director, you'll have the authority and platform to:

• Partner with senior leaders across government agencies, military organizations, and space operators on critical flight dynamics challenges
• Lead a geographically distributed team of engineers across Aerospace locations
• Advance trajectory optimization, maneuver planning, and space operations capabilities supporting critical missions
• Mentor and develop technical talent across a growing portfolio of customer programs

Work Model

Full-time position, minimum four days per week onsite based in Chantilly, VA;
Colorado Springs, CO; or El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for a multi-location department, managing 25+ technical staff and managers
• Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EOFD as the technical authority in Earth-orbit flight dynamics and trajectory optimization
• Formulate business strategies alongside Engineering and Technology Group partners in critical flight mechanics domains, such as tactics development, spacecraft maneuver design, or rendezvous and proximity operations
• Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies

Technical Innovation

• Drive flight dynamics excellence across launch vehicle trajectory design, multi-burn orbit transfers, and electric/hybrid propulsion optimization
• Infuse AI/ML into optimization techniques to transform trajectory design for launch and Earth-orbiting flight regimes
• Collaborate across divisions to integrate flight dynamics with space domain awareness and multi-disciplinary mission analysis

Business Development & Customer Engagement

• Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, NASA, and commercial space operators
• Drive business development and capture planning for organizational growth in advanced mission operations and responsive space capabilities
• Represent the department at customer engagements, corporate forums, and technical conferences

Team Development

• Lead workforce development initiatives including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and…