Astrodynamics Engineering Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe.The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.At Aerospace, we believe that we can only fulfill our goals – and those of our customers – by securing a diverse and inclusive workforce, and an environment that will nurture the best ideas and generate the most novel innovations.What You’ll be Doing: Advise key stakeholders and government customers by performing a range of astrodynamics and space mission design modeling, simulation, and analysis. Work will be in the focus areas of space domain awareness (SDA), space control, space debris, and enhancing the resilience of other mission areas in the space enterprise architecture.Conduct and lead technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel and external customers including defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions, supporting critical decisions in collaboration with technical leads, management, and customers.Lead and guide the development and maturation of analysis software tools, implementation of best practices, and analysis software tool modernization.Provide technical mentoring to junior staff and customer personnel.What You Need to be SuccessfulBachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or related technical discipline.Experience in one or more of the following subjects: modeling, simulation, and analysis, such as space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling.Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously and to be comfortable acting as a technical point-of-contact.Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, SIMULINK, Java.Effective written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated technical team leadership skills.Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities.This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.How You Can Stand Out Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC) and other personnel.Experience directly interfacing with U.S. government customers (military/civilian) as a technical representative.Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.Experience in orbit mechanics/astrodynamics topics, such as rendezvous and proximity operations, formation flight, constellation design, orbital propagation and perturbations, orbital maneuvers, launch vehicle and satellite operations, collision risk and debris analyses, or space domain awareness.Experience in applied mathematical topics, such as optimization, game theory, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis.Experience in optimization techniques and their application to trajectory optimization and/or multi-objective optimization.Experience in spacecraft or launch operations.Eight or more years of directly relevant technical/professional experience.Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.Current SAP clearances.Grade-Based Pay Range(Min - Mid - Max)$117,027 - $192,281 - $267,534Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. Comprehensive health care and wellness plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.Equal Opportunity Commitment