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Flight Dynamics Engineer

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The Aerospace Corporation

17d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior, Mid & Senior Level
  • Research & Development
    Engineering
  • El Segundo
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need a relevant degree, 2+ years' experience, programming skills (C, C++, Python), proficiency in optimization and modeling, security clearance, and strong communication abilities.
  • You will analyze orbital mechanics, optimize trajectories, design maneuvers, support launch operations, develop tools, and evaluate mission applications while leveraging internal and external resources.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.
  • At least two years of relevant professional, technical work experience.
  • Experience 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 vehicles.
  • Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willing 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 clearance.
  • Typically five or more years of experience of relevant technical work.
  • Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions.
  • The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers.
  • Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.
  • Experience 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 variations.
  • Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience.
  • Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events.
  • Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC) and other personnel.
  • Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers.
  • Experience in spacecraft or launch operations.
  • Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.
  • Current SAP access.

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, 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
  • Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space and near-space systems
  • Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
  • Utilizing 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 submodules
  • Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base
  • Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities
  • Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives with complex operational constraints
  • Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes

FAQs

What is the work model for the Flight Dynamics Engineer position?

The position will be a hybrid work model based in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM, with the expectation that the selected candidate works at least 4 days a week onsite.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Flight Dynamics Engineer?

Responsibilities include cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis, hypersonics and missile trajectory design, time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems analysis, astrodynamics analysis, and developing operational support for launch and spacecraft deployment among others.

What is the minimum educational requirement for this position?

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline is required.

How much relevant work experience is needed for this role?

A minimum of two years of relevant professional, technical work experience is required for the Member of Technical Staff position.

What programming skills are required for the role?

Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools is needed: C, C++, Python, Fortran, and MATLAB.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, the candidate must be willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities, approximately 10% of the time.

What security clearance is needed for this position?

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the US government, which means U.S. citizenship is required.

What are some preferred qualifications that can make a candidate stand out?

Preferred qualifications include a graduate degree, experience with analysis software, experience in contested space trajectory applications, and advanced algorithm development skills.

What benefits does The Aerospace Corporation offer its employees?

Benefits include comprehensive health care plans, paid holidays, flexible work schedules, a 401(k) plan with company contributions, education assistance programs, and professional growth opportunities, among others.

How does The Aerospace Corporation ensure an inclusive work environment?

The Aerospace Corporation promotes an inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect, valuing unique backgrounds and experiences of all employees.

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The Aerospace Corporation

The only FFRDC for the entire space enterprise.

Defence & Aerospace
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1960
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The Aerospace Corporation has provided independent technical and scientific research, development, and advisory services to national-security space programs since 1960. We operate a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) for the United States Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office and support all national-security space programs. We also apply more than 40 years of experience with space systems to projects for civil agencies like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commercial companies, universities, and some international organizations in the national interest. From our inception, our highly skilled technical people have focused on ensuring the success of every mission and developing the most effective and economic space-related hardware and software in the world. Our insight and involvement in space programs has significantly reduced the risk of launch failure and increased both satellite endurance and performance. Avoiding a single catastrophic failure resulting in the loss of operational capabilities can save the government more than three times the total annual Aerospace FFRDC budget. We don't manufacture anything. Our greatest asset is the technical expertise of our people. Our involvement spans all facets of space systems: including systems engineering, testing, analysis, and development; acquisition support; launch readiness and certification; anomaly resolution; and the application of new technologies for existing and next-generation space systems. Our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are staffed by some of the leading scientists in the world.