Trajectory Analyst

Leidos; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 67,600 - 122,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and Wellness programs

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

A defense systems company is seeking a Trajectory Analyst in Crane, IN, to support trajectory modeling and flight safety analysis for hypersonic test flights. Candidates should have a B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with 2+ years’ experience in trajectory analysis and strong skills in flight mechanics. Must be a U.S. citizen and obtain security clearance. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in trajectory analysis.
• Strong fundamentals in flight mechanics and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Trajectory Analyst in launch vehicle trajectory modeling.
• Develop and optimize 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models.
• Conduct engineering approximations for performance.

Skills

Flight mechanics/dynamics

Statistical/probabilistic analysis

Trajectory modeling

Collaboration skills

Attention to detail

Critical evaluation

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

POST

OTIS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos’ Defense Systems is seeking a Trajectory Analyst to join our team supporting the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) Flight Test Program as part of the Hypersonics Systems Division. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large‑scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!

Position Overview

As part of a hardworking team of engineers and problem-solvers, The Hypersonic Systems Trajectory Analyst will support the Lead Trajectory Analyst in performance of launch vehicle trajectory modeling and flight safety analysis, ensuring compliance with range safety and public risk requirements, and maturing the overall analysis methodology for various hypersonic test flight configurations. Jointly with the Lead Trajectory Analyst, the person in this role will directly influence mission design. The responsibilities of this position include generating and communicating data products to inform trajectory shaping/optimization and flight system design considerations for optimization of experimental data gathering, while minimizing risks and unnecessary cost.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models
• Develop CONOPS for integration with mission operations and flight software
• Conduct engineering approximations for performance
• Performing Monte Carlo (and/or probabilistic analyses) routines and data analysis to inform mission authorities of off-nominal trajectories (incorporating range safety, circular error probability, and expected casualty)
• Provide Systems Engineering with optimizations to balance performance and safety and maintain critical system constraints

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent technical field, from an ABET accredited institution
• 2+ years of applicable experience and/or equivalent education in trajectory analysis
• Strong fundamentals in flight mechanics/dynamics and simulation of aerospace vehicles
• Strong fundamentals in statistical/probabilistic analysis
• Familiarity with the development and optimization of 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models
• Familiarity with trajectory analysis tools such as POST, OTIS, TTK, RRAT, TAOS, STK Astrogator, or Copernicus
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo (and/or probabilistic analyses) routines and data analysis
• Ability to evaluate situations critically, assess complex systems, and navigate detailed requirements
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
• Must work well in a collaborative, team environment
• Must pay meticulous attention to detail to ensure mission safety and success
• Must be a U.S. citizen and capable of obtaining and maintaining a minimum of DoW Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing and optimizing 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models
• Experience using trajectory analysis tools such as POST, OTIS, TTK, RRAT, TAOS, STK Astrogator, or Copernicus
• Experience in quantitative risk assessment including debris risk modeling
• Experience in hypersonic trajectory modeling
• Familiarity with launch licensing processes and regulations (e.g. FAA Part 450)
• Familiarity with NASA and DOD Range Safety and Operational Requirements (e.g. RCC-319, 321, 323, 324, 326, etc.)
• Experience in explosive modeling and estimation
• Experience in building analysis toolchains and scripts (e.g. MATLAB, Python, etc.)

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:

November 4, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

$67,600.00 - $122,200.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.