Hypersonics & Space Trajectory Design Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

401(k) Plan

Flexible spending accounts

Telework options

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Member of the Technical Staff–Flight Mechanics to provide expert analysis and design for advanced spaceflight systems. You will collaborate with engineering partners to deliver solutions for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

Responsibilities include trajectory design, propulsion-aware optimization, and multi-domain mission planning across LEO to interplanetary contexts. Hybrid work model with strong focus on technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.
• At least two years of relevant professional, technical work experience.
• Experience in space mission analysis, astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or trajectory optimization.
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, Fortran, and MATLAB.
• Willing to travel domestically (approx. 10%).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles.
• Missile system and missile defense engagement simulation and performance analysis.
• Multi-domain mission design for systems transiting orbital and atmospheric regimes.
• Constrained optimal control for vehicles with aerodynamic/propulsive forces.
• Contested space mission evaluation: threat assessment and system resiliency improvement.
• Develop CONOPS, TTPs, and operational constraint integration for space systems.
• Develop new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithms.
• R&D to maintain a modern internal tool base; apply external tools as needed.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline

Tools

ASSET

GPOPS-II

SNOPT

POST

OTIS

GMAT

EMTG

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Member of the Technical Staff–Flight Mechanics to provide expert analysis and design for advanced spaceflight systems. You will collaborate with engineering partners to deliver solutions for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

Responsibilities include trajectory design, propulsion-aware optimization, and multi-domain mission planning across LEO to interplanetary contexts. Hybrid work model with strong focus on technical excellence.