Senior Flight Dynamics & Trajectory Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

Health care and wellness plans

Telework options

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks an experienced Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics to join our team in delivering advanced spaceflight analysis and designs. You will work on trajectory optimization, orbital mechanics, and onboard algorithm development for complex missions, contributing to high‑impact national space programs.

You will collaborate with engineers across disciplines, leverage state‑of‑the‑art tools, and contribute to mission planning and resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines.
• Eight+ years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, or related fields.
• Proficiency in programming languages/environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft across multiple orbits.
• Perform astrodynamics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design/optimization.
• Develop and validate onboard algorithms for guidance, navigation, and state estimation.
• Support mission analysis to assess vulnerabilities and improve system resiliency.
• Create and refine Concepts of Operations and operative procedures for space missions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver end‑to‑end aerospace solutions.

Skills

C

C++

Fortran

Python

Linux

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering or related field

Tools

ASSET

GPOPS-II

SNOPT

POST

OTIS

Copernicus

GMAT

EMTG

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation seeks an experienced Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics to join our team in delivering advanced spaceflight analysis and designs. You will work on trajectory optimization, orbital mechanics, and onboard algorithm development for complex missions, contributing to high‑impact national space programs.

You will collaborate with engineers across disciplines, leverage state‑of‑the‑art tools, and contribute to mission planning and resilience.