RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer/Sr. RPO Flight Dynamics ...

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.The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.The RPO Analysis and Integration Department (RAID) is one of EED's premier orbital engagement and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) modeling and analysis groups. We deliver impactful mission-level modeling, simulation and integration support to a variety of military and civil customers to enable the key missions that will service and protect critical space infrastructure.We are looking for an(tojoin the RAID team. The selected candidate will provideexpertisefor a wide range of customer flight-mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests.The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners tofacilitateintegrated solutions for our customers' hardest problems. Customers will includedefense, intelligence, civil,and commercialorganizations.Work ModelThis is afull-timeposition based inEl Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA,offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as business needs allow.WhatYou'll- Develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploreTactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporate complexoperational constraints into the design and maturation of space systemsthat support RPO objectives.- Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute tothedevelopment of operational concepts.- Perform research and development and build new flight dynamics tools to cultivate andmaintaina healthy and modern internal tool basethat supports customer deliverables.- CombineAI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modelingtoassess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces.- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.- Occasional travel to support customer efforts.What You Need to be SuccessfulMinimum- BSdegreefroman accredited college/university programin engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field- Twoor moreyears ofprofessional,technical work experiencein one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics,trajectorysimulationand performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination,state estimation, relative navigation,algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling- Proficiencywith one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB- Effective written and verbal communication skills- Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)- This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obta n a security addition to the above, theminimum:- Five or more years of experience of relevant technical workor PhD- Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions- The ability tooperateindependently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customersHow You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:- MS or PhDdegreefroman accredited college/university programin engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field- Graduatelevelcourse work,research,and/or experience in the following areas:space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, trajectorysimulationand performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination,state estimation, relative navigation- Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for spacecraftor related vehicles- Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience- Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events- Current SSBI with an active TS/SCIand/or TS/SAPclearanceWe offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.(Min - Max)$95,200.00 - $165,500.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:- Operate Strategically- Lead Change- Engage with Impact- Foster Innovation- Deliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options- 401(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 hire- Flexible spending accounts- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions- Relocation assistance- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career- Education assistance programs- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options- 401(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 hire- Flexible spending accounts- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions- Relocation assistance- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career- Education assistance programs- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe are all unique, from various 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

Created: 2026-04-03