Flight Dynamics & Mission Optimization Specialist

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 193,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) Plan

Education assistance

Health care benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Professional growth programs

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics to lead advanced trajectory optimization, spacecraft maneuvers, and mission analysis for cislunar and Earth‑orbit programs.

You will mentor staff, develop new analytical tools, and serve as the local technical representative to government program sponsors. The role requires a BS (8+ years), security clearance eligibility, and travel ~10%.

Qualifications

• BS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or 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 (approx. 10%)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as 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

Skills

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

JavaScript

Space mission analysis

Astrodynamics

Optimization

Tree search algorithms

Orbital mechanics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field

MS or PhD degree related field (impressive)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

C

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics to lead advanced trajectory optimization, spacecraft maneuvers, and mission analysis for cislunar and Earth‑orbit programs.

You will mentor staff, develop new analytical tools, and serve as the local technical representative to government program sponsors. The role requires a BS (8+ years), security clearance eligibility, and travel ~10%.