Job Title: Trajectory Analyst (MTS)

Requisition ID: 37805 
All Locations: El Segundo, CA (California)  
A trusted partner. A national resource. A leader in national security space. We are THE Aerospace Corporation.  A team that takes pride in our readiness to solve some of the most complex technical challenges in existence. With challenges spanning clandestine to commercial, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on projects that are literally evolving our nation's space and launch capabilities. We all share a common passion and aspiration - to serve a mission much bigger than ourselves.  When you join our team, you'll be part of a rare collection of thought leaders and game-changing innovators.  Are you ready to launch your career?
Responsibilities
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide trajectory analysis and optimization support for spacecraft, launch, and reentry vehicles, for Earth-centric and occasionally interplanetary missions. This support will span the range of a system's life-cycle including conceptual design/technology assessment, pre-launch support for on-contract programs, launch and on-orbit transfer phases including Mission Ops, and eventually end-of-life support. Applicants must possess good communication skills and the ability to perform/learn the Key Functions listed below to support customer needs.

KEY FUNCTIONS
Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving a variety of vehicle flight mechanics and astrodynamics (orbital mechanics) problems Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of launch vehicles, upper stages, spacecraft, and reentry vehicles Implement optimization theory to solve problems using calculus of variations approaches and/or non-linear programming techniques, as appropriate Develop methodology and tools for spacecraft low thrust propulsion simulation and optimization Analyze and optimize chemical propulsion, low thrust propulsion, and hybrid propulsion orbit transfers Support launch vehicle ops and spacecraft orbit transfer campaigns Implement scripting techniques to perform parametric studies and continuation methodologies Utilize numerical methods to analyze flight mechanics problems including numerical integration, root-solving problems, and coordinate transformations.

Qualifications
REQUIRED
Master's degree or PhD in engineering, mathematics, physics or related field Experience in one or more of the following areas: flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation, orbit mechanics or optimal control Proficiency in one or more of the following computer programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python or Matlab Graduate level course work in orbital mechanics, numerical methods, and optimization Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
PREFERRED
PhD in engineering, physics, mathematics or related field Experience in a Unix environment TS/SSBI (SCI) clearance (applicant will be submitted for this clearance upon hiring if they do not currently possess it)

Transcript Requirement
Transcripts are required for this position.

 
Additional Requisition Details
System Job Title : MEMBER-TECH STF  
Clearance Requirement: TS/SSBI 
Access: SCI  
Polygraph: Counter Intelligence Polygraph  
Relocation Available:  [[relo]]  
Employment Type: Regular  
Work Schedule: Full Time  
 
Company Statement
The Aerospace Corporation has provided independent technical and scientific research, development, and advisory services to national security space programs since 1960. We operate a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) for the United States Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office, and support all national security space programs. We also apply more than 50 years of experience with space systems to provide critical solutions to technologically complex systems in such areas as communications, shipping, law enforcement, and cyber, among others.
From our inception, our highly skilled technical staff has focused on ensuring the success of every mission and developing the most effective and economic space-related hardware and software in the world. Our greatest asset is the technical expertise of our people. Our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are staffed by some of the leading scientists in the world.
 
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability status.
You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster and the supplement , as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .