Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,200 - 165,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, vacation

Telework options

401(k) plan with company matching

Relocation assistance

Education assistance and professional

Career development

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Member of Technical Staff (MTS) or Senior Member of Technical Staff (SMTS) in Flight Mechanics to deliver advanced optimization and mission planning for complex flight dynamics tasks.

The role involves analysis, research, and development of trajectory optimization, tree‑search algorithms, and decision making under uncertainty, with in‑person work in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA and some travel.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in space mission analysis, astrodynamics, optimization, software development, mathematical modeling, and decision making under uncertainty.
• Proficiency with at least one programming language: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
• Willingness to travel domestically.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• For SMTS candidates only: five or more years of relevant technical experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform optimization analysis for time‑dependent traveling salesman and facility location problems using tree‑search 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.
• Support the evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to operational concepts.
• Develop and implement flight dynamics algorithms and tools that support the department’s analytical capabilities and customer deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.
• Contribute to research and development efforts that advance the department’s optimization and mission planning methodologies.

Skills

Communication skills

Willingness to travel

Education

BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field

Tools

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that supports the nation’s space programs with innovative solutions for satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems. The Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department within the Enterprise Effects Division (EED) focuses on flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, traveling salesman trajectory generation, facility location optimization, and trans‑atmopheric flight design for missiles, hypoglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles.

Job Overview

We are looking for a Member of Technical Staff (MTS) or Senior Member of Technical Staff (SMTS) in Flight Mechanics who will provide advanced optimization and mission planning solutions for complex customer flight mechanics needs. The role involves analysis, research, and development of trajectory optimization, tree‑search algorithms, combinatorial optimization, orbital mechanics, and decision‑making under uncertainty.

Work Model

Full‑time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA. The model is in‑person with at least four regular onsite workdays per week and optional remote flexibility as business needs allow. Domestic travel to customer and contractor facilities is anticipated (≈10%).

Responsibilities

• Perform optimization analysis for time‑dependent traveling salesman and facility location problems using tree‑search 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.
• Support the evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to operational concepts.
• Develop and implement flight dynamics algorithms and tools that support the department’s analytical capabilities and customer deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.
• Contribute to research and development efforts that advance the department’s optimization and mission planning methodologies.

Requirements

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of relevant professional, technical 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 at least one of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (≈10%).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• For SMTS candidates only:
• Five or more years of relevant technical experience.
• Demonstrated technical excellence in relevant job capabilities and functions.
• Ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations and deliver high‑quality end products to a range of customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field.
• Graduate‑level coursework, research, or experience in multi‑objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, and astrodynamics.
• Experience building analysis software that combines numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles.
• Experience with contested space trajectory applications.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with current SSBI.

Compensation

Grade‑based pay range: $95,200.00 – $165,500.00 (annual).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan: company‑paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation with matching contributions.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs, including education assistance.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or any characteristic protected by state or federal law. Individuals with a disability or disabled veterans requiring assistance with the application process may obtain reasonable accommodation by contacting the organization.