Career Opportunity: Senior Trajectory Optimization Analyst at The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, offering unparalleled technical expertise to solve the most challenging problems. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we provide innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial clients. Join us and become part of a unique group of problem-solvers, thought leaders, and innovators—take your place in space.

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

At Aerospace, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, driven by a shared passion to fulfill a mission much larger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) is at the forefront of current and future system ideas and data, providing innovative research and development, technical evaluations, conceptual and detailed design, assembly, integration, testing, and operational support. Our team is primarily composed of expert mechanical and aerospace engineers, specializing in areas including vehicle engineering, guidance, navigation, controls, robotics, electro-mechanical devices, embedded systems, fluid mechanics, propulsion, thermal control, orbital mechanics, mechanisms, structures, structural dynamics, and dynamic environments.

The Trajectory Design and Optimization Department seeks talented and motivated candidates to join our expanding team. The Senior Trajectory Optimization Analyst (Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics/Senior Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics) will offer trajectory optimization and analysis support for the nation’s most complex challenges across various vehicle types and domains.

Work Model

This is a full-time position primarily based in Colorado Springs, CO, with potential considerations in El Segundo, CA. The role requires 100% onsite work with occasional remote flexibility, depending on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the evolving U.S. national space enterprise by addressing complex flight mechanics, optimization, and astrodynamics problems from conceptual design through operations and end-of-life phases.

Minimum Requirements

For the Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics role:

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines
• 8 years of experience in flight mechanics, maneuver optimization, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or trajectory modeling and simulation, especially in non-traditional orbit regimes
• Proficiency in C, C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB programming languages
• Knowledge of optimization theory and advanced numerical methods
• Willingness to travel occasionally (approximately 10%)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship

For the Senior Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics role:

• 12 years of relevant professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines
• 15+ years of professional experience in the relevant fields
• Graduate-level coursework or experience in orbit mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and trajectory modeling and simulation
• Eligibility for TS//SSBI (SCI) clearance is highly preferred

Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package based on performance and the value you bring to the business. The pay range for this job role is $129,000 - $249,600 annually.

Leadership Competencies

At Aerospace, every employee can demonstrate leadership. We encourage individuals to:

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

Employee Benefits

Details about our industry-leading benefits will be provided during the interview process. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Various work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan with immediate eligibility and vesting
• Flexible spending accounts