Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer

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 is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. We are looking for an Engineering Specialist to serve as a technical expert and local point of contact for our customer organizations. The selected candidate will tackle complex optimization and mission planning challenges, requiring expertise in areas such as trajectory optimization, tree search algorithms, combinatorial optimization, orbital mechanics/astrodynamics, and decision-making under uncertainty. This role combines technical depth with strong communication abilities to influence stakeholders and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. As the department’s local technical representative, you’ll lead analysis efforts, mentor junior staff, and help identify new opportunities for our most challenging customer problems.

Work Mode

• This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics

• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• MS or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
• Graduate level coursework, research and/or experience in the following areas: multi‑objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, astrodynamics
• Experience with contested space trajectory applications
• Experience leading customer engagements, identifying new work opportunities, or serving as a technical point of contact for government programs or sponsors

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail] .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.