Hypersonics & Space Trajectory Design Engineer

aero; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Member of the Technical Staff to join the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department in El Segundo, CA, Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM. The role focuses on flight mechanics expertise, trajectory optimization, and multi-domain mission design for advanced space systems.

Join a team that delivers innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber domains for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

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 and design, astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling.
• Proficiency with one or more 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%).

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 transitioning between orbital and atmospheric regimes.
• Constrained optimal control for vehicles with aerodynamic and/or propulsive forces.
• Contested space mission evaluation and resiliency improvement.
• Development of new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithm development.
• Algorithm and software R&D to maintain modern internal tool base.
• Use of external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG as appropriate.

Skills

Trajectory design

Astrodynamics

Optimization

Software development

Python

C/C++

MATLAB

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science/Mathematics

Tools

ASSET

GPOPS-II

SNOPT

POST

OTIS

Copernicus

GMAT

EMTG

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Member of the Technical Staff to join the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department in El Segundo, CA, Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM. The role focuses on flight mechanics expertise, trajectory optimization, and multi-domain mission design for advanced space systems.

Join a team that delivers innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber domains for defense, civil, and commercial customers.