Launch Vehicle Mission Design Engineer

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.
The Mission Design Senior Project Engineer will coordinate Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities for the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles. This position will support the Launch Systems, Operations, and Development (LSOD) team within the Launch Systems Division to provide leadership and expertise in Trajectory Design, Mission Performance, Orbital Safety, Mass Properties, and Guidance, Navigation, and Control. It will ensure successful execution of National Security Space Launches (NSSL) missions and conduct non-recurring validation of new capabilities.
Telecommuting up to half of the workweek is possible.
What You'll Be Doing

• Support the Space Force Launch Enterprise group and the Office of Space Launch customers
• Coordinate analyses for mission design and performance, orbital safety, and GNC
• Ensure mission requirements compliance
• Evaluate and mitigate technical risks
• Provide launch support and post-flight data assessments
• Lead development of new agile mission assurance capabilities and digital engineering tools
• Lead mission design trade studies and evaluate launch vehicle performance

This position is available as Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering or related technical field
• Typically 8 or more years of applicable experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
• Experience in Mission Design and Performance, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)
• Familiarity with orbit optimization tools and six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) simulations
• Ability to form and lead cross-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external organizations
• A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

What You Need to be Successful (Senior Project Engineer)
Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering or related field
• Typically 12 or more years of applicable experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
• Experience leading orbit design and GNC efforts
• Fundamental knowledge of orbital mechanics
• Involvement in complex simulation developments
• Experience in leading risk assessment and anomaly resolution efforts
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with engineering, customer, and contractor personnel
• A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters or PhD degree with emphasis on trajectory optimization, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• Proficiency in launch vehicle or missile trajectory design
• Experience with government acquisitions and proposal review
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Experience with developing digital engineering tools
• Familiarity with government requirements and standards related to launch vehicle trajectories

We 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.
Ways 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. 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

We 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
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, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.