Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer: Trajectory Design & Optimization

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Telework options

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

401(k) plan

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist in Flight Mechanics. The role focuses on trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft, including astrodynamics analysis and propulsion assessments.

Candidates should have 12+ years for Senior level and 8+ years for Engineering Specialist, with strong programming skills (C/C++, Python, MATLAB) and the ability to lead independent technical work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines.
• Eight or more years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation.
• Proficiency in programming languages/environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB.
• Ability to operate independently in ambiguity and deliver high-quality results.
• Willing to travel domestically ~10%.

Responsibilities

• Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft across LEO to GEO.
• Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design.
• Analyze vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion.
• Evaluate contested missions applications to improve system resiliency.
• Develop and apply concepts of operations (CONOPS) and TTPs for space systems.
• Provide operational support for nominal launches and anomaly resolution.
• Create new flight dynamics tools and integrate external tools to enhance capabilities.
• Apply AI/ML/RL techniques to flight mechanics analyses and decision spaces.

Skills

C

C++

Fortran

Python

Linux

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines

Tools

ASSET

GPOPS-II

SNOPT

POST

OTIS

Copernicus

GMAT

EMTG

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist in Flight Mechanics. The role focuses on trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft, including astrodynamics analysis and propulsion assessments.

Candidates should have 12+ years for Senior level and 8+ years for Engineering Specialist, with strong programming skills (C/C++, Python, MATLAB) and the ability to lead independent technical work.