Mission Design Engineer (2-5 yrs)

Advanced Space; Westminster (MD); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Quarterly bonuses

Medical + 401(k)

Flexible time off

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Advanced Space is seeking a Mission Design Engineer with 2-5 years of experience to apply astrodynamics expertise to ambitious lunar, cislunar, and interplanetary missions. The role involves hands-on mission design, trajectory optimization, and flight operations support in a hybrid US-based setting.

You will develop tools, collaborate across engineering teams, and communicate complex analyses to stakeholders while staying current with aerospace research and new technologies.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of professional experience in mission design, astrodynamics, or trajectory design.
• Experience applying mission design concepts to real-world aerospace problems.
• Proficiency with astrodynamics software such as MONTE, Copernicus, GMAT, STK, FreeFlyer, or similar tools.
• Ability to write Python/ Matlab/ Julia scripts to solve mission design problems.

Responsibilities

• Design mission architectures and optimize trajectories across Earth-orbiting, cislunar, and interplanetary missions.
• Perform mission design analyses including delta-V budgeting and trajectory optimization.
• Support missions from concept through operations and flight validation.

Skills

Astrodynamics

Trajectory optimization

Python/ Matlab/ Julia scripting

Mission design experience

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

MONTE

Copernicus

GMAT

STK

FreeFlyer

Job description

Advanced Space | Full-time | Hybrid

We’re going to the Moon. Think you've got what it takes?

About the Role

At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're looking for a Mission Design Engineer with 2-5 years of experience to apply astrodynamics expertise and creative problem-solving to some of the most ambitious missions in the space industry.

This is a hands-on technical role supporting mission design and trajectory analysis across Earth-orbiting, cislunar, and interplanetary missions. You'll contribute throughout the full mission lifecycle-from mission architecture and trajectory optimization to concept of operations development, contingency planning, and flight operations support.

We're looking for someone who thrives in technically challenging environments, enjoys solving complex astrodynamics problems, and is excited to work alongside a team that’s delivering real missions—not just concepts.

This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers.

Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly, collaborate across disciplines, and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in.

What You'll Actually Do

Design mission architectures and optimize trajectories.

Apply mission design and trajectory optimization expertise across a variety of mission domains, including Earth-orbiting, cislunar, interplanetary, high-thrust, low-thrust, formation-flying, and proximity operations missions.

Solve complex astrodynamics challenges.

Perform mission design analyses including delta-V budgeting, trajectory optimization, Monte Carlo/statistical-delta-V simulations, stationkeeping analysis, and formation-keeping algorithm development.

Support missions from concept through operations.

Take ownership of mission phases and work alongside technical leads to define analysis approaches, break down complex problems, and deliver accurate technical solutions that support mission success.

Develop tools that enable future missions.

Build and improve astrodynamics software and flight operations tools using programming languages such as Python and Julia. Apply innovative approaches to expand Advanced Space's mission design capabilities.

Collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Partner with navigation, systems, GNC, flight software, and other engineering teams to define requirements, support verification efforts, and integrate mission design analyses across the spacecraft system.

Communicate technical solutions clearly.

Document and present design and analysis results for internal teams and customers. Translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations and actionable insights.

Continue learning and push technical boundaries.

Stay current with aerospace research, publications, and emerging technologies to solve challenging problems and develop new approaches to mission design.

Who Thrives Here

• You have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• You have 2-5 years of professional experience in mission design, astrodynamics, trajectory design, or a closely related discipline.
• You have experience applying mission design and trajectory optimization concepts to real-world aerospace problems.
• You have experience with astrodynamics software such as MONTE, Copernicus, GMAT, STK, FreeFlyer, or similar tools.
• You can write Python, Matlab, Julia, or similar scripts to solve mission design and analysis problems and contribute to complex codebases.
• You enjoy solving difficult technical problems and are comfortable working through ambiguous challenges.
• You communicate technical concepts clearly and can collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines.
• You take ownership of your work and proactively solve problems when you see them.

Bonus Points if You Have Experience With

• Supporting spacecraft operations procedures and maneuver design activities during flight operations.
• Understanding spacecraft navigation concepts and how navigation interacts with mission design analyses.
• Supporting systems integration and verification analyses.
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and how they interface with trajectory design.
• Developing generalized astrodynamics tools using Python and/or Julia.
• Experience supporting system-level design reviews such as SRR, PDR, or CDR.
• Experience with formation flying, stationkeeping, or proximity operations.
• Using agentic AI tools to support code development, documentation, and testing while maintaining technical accuracy. ****

Success is Measured By

• Delivering accurate mission design analyses that support successful mission execution.
• Developing innovative trajectory solutions for challenging aerospace missions.
• Building and improving mission design tools and processes.
• Effectively collaborating across engineering teams to integrate mission design solutions.
• Clearly communicating technical findings and recommendations to internal teams and customers.
• Contributing to the continued growth of Advanced Space's mission design capabilities.

Why Join Advanced Space

• Work on real missions that are shaping the future of lunar and deep-space exploration.
• Help design spacecraft trajectories and mission architectures for cutting-edge space missions.
• Collaborate with some of the industry's top experts in astrodynamics, autonomy, and mission design.
• Be part of a growing company where your technical contributions have a direct impact on mission success.
• Join a team that's passionate about delivering innovation to orbit—and beyond.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $88,000-$116,000 (based on experience, qualifications, and location)
• Signing bonus
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Company-sponsored medical benefits and 401(k)
• Flexible time off
• Relocation assistance

Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.