Flight Dynamics & Trajectory Optimization Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care

401(k) plan with match

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking highly skilled engineers for the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department to advance trajectory design and optimization for complex space systems. The role emphasizes flight mechanics, astrodynamics, and multi-objective optimization across orbital and atmospheric regimes.

You will collaborate with engineering partners to deliver end-to-end solutions for national space programs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• Ph.D. in same fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) for Senior role.
• 0-1 years of relevant professional, technical work experience.
• Experience in space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, optimization, or trajectory simulation.

Responsibilities

• Trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles.
• Missile system engagement simulation and performance analysis.
• Multi-domain mission design for orbital and atmospheric regimes.
• Constrained optimal control for vehicles with aerodynamic/propulsive forces.
• Contested space mission evaluation and vulnerability analysis.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Space mission analysis

Trajectory design

Astrodynamics

Optimization

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering/Science/Math

Ph.D. in Engineering/Science/Math (Senior role)

Tools

ASSET

GPOPS-II

SNOPT

POST

GMAT

EMTG

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking highly skilled engineers for the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department to advance trajectory design and optimization for complex space systems. The role emphasizes flight mechanics, astrodynamics, and multi-objective optimization across orbital and atmospheric regimes.

You will collaborate with engineering partners to deliver end-to-end solutions for national space programs.