{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"58dcfd5c163fd22ffee0a014","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/58dcfd5c163fd22ffee0a014","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/58dcfd5c163fd22ffee0a014","title":"Flight Dynamics Engineer/Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer","description":"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.\nThe Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a varied and 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.\n\nAs a core component of EED, t he Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provid es flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicle s and space vehicle s . Relevant skills include orbital mechanic s , astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. We are looking for a n Engineering Specialist /Senior Engineering Specialist to join the EOFDD team . T he selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide ran ge of customer flight mechanics needs , supporting both analysis and research and development requests . The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaboratin g with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers ’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations .\n\nWork Model\nThis position will be a hybrid work model based in El Segundo, CA ; Colorado Springs, CO ; Chantilly, VA ; or Albuquerque, NM, with the expectation that the selected candidate works at least 4 days a week onsite, as the business needs allow .\n\nWhat You’ll Be Doing\nPrimary Support\nTrajectory d esign and opt imization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO , and other earth-centric regimes\nAstrodynamics and o rbital m echanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, stationkeeping , graveyard, disposal, and reentry events\nAnalysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion\nEvaluating c ontested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency\nExploring and defining the evolving Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) mission area\nManeuver and orbit design, selection , and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations ( RPO ) objectives with complex operational constraints\nDeveloping Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space system s\nProviding o perational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging event s\nUtilizing o ptimal control , flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities to service customer requests as stand - alone services and /or ready-to-integrate submodules\nCombining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces\nPerforming research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base\nLeveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, G MAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities\n\nAdditional inter-department partnership collaborations opportunities :\nCislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization\nHypersonics , missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization supporting Golden Dome or other related mission areas\nTime-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem (servicer) analysis\nIntegrated, m ul ti -disciplinary RPO system simulations\n\nWhat You Need to be Successful\nMinimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics position:\nBachelor’s degree in aeronautical / astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines\nEight or more years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation\nProficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments : C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/ or MATLAB\nThe ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high - quality, innovative, and specialized end products to a range of customers\nWilling to travel domestically approx. 10%\nThe ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance (TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access) is required . U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.\n\nIn addition to the a bove, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics position include :\nTwelve or more years of experience o f relevant technical work\nThe ability to lead and execute large and sustained technical efforts with vision to propose, scope, and coordinate these efforts across organizational boundaries\n\nHow You Can Stand Out\nIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:\nAdvanced degree in aeronautical / astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired\nGraduate l evel c ourse work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas : o rbit al mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation\nExperience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles ( hypersonics )\nExperience with nonlinear programming (non-linear programming), direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations\nAdvanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience\nExperience with contested space trajectory applications , military exercises , and wargaming events\nCurrent TS (SSBI), TS/SCI , and/ or TS/ SAP Access\nWe 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.\n(Min - Max)\n$129,000.00 - $249,600.00\nPay Basis: Annual\nLeadership Competencies\nOur 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:\nOperate Strategically\nLead Change\nEngage with Impact\nFoster Innovation\nDeliver Results\nWays We Reward Our Employees\nDuring your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.\nBenefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:\nComprehensive health care and wellness plans\nPaid holidays, sick time, and vacation\nStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options\n401(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\nFlexible spending accounts\nVariable pay program for exceptional contributions\nRelocation assistance\nProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your career\nEducation assistance programs\nAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect\nWe 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 work at The Aerospace Corporation.\nEqual Opportunity Commitment\nThe Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .","company":"Aerospace","rawCompany":"aerospace","city":"El Segundo","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-06T09:45:06.204Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-3021.00","title":"Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians","slug":"aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technologists-and-technicians"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Flight Dynamics Engineer/Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer","description":"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.\nThe Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a varied and 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.\n\nAs a core component of EED, t he Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provid es flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicle s and space vehicle s . Relevant skills include orbital mechanic s , astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. We are looking for a n Engineering Specialist /Senior Engineering Specialist to join the EOFDD team . T he selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide ran ge of customer flight mechanics needs , supporting both analysis and research and development requests . The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaboratin g with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers ’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations .\n\nWork Model\nThis position will be a hybrid work model based in El Segundo, CA ; Colorado Springs, CO ; Chantilly, VA ; or Albuquerque, NM, with the expectation that the selected candidate works at least 4 days a week onsite, as the business needs allow .\n\nWhat You’ll Be Doing\nPrimary Support\nTrajectory d esign and opt imization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO , and other earth-centric regimes\nAstrodynamics and o rbital m echanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, stationkeeping , graveyard, disposal, and reentry events\nAnalysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion\nEvaluating c ontested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency\nExploring and defining the evolving Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) mission area\nManeuver and orbit design, selection , and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations ( RPO ) objectives with complex operational constraints\nDeveloping Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space system s\nProviding o perational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging event s\nUtilizing o ptimal control , flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities to service customer requests as stand - alone services and /or ready-to-integrate submodules\nCombining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces\nPerforming research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base\nLeveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, G MAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities\n\nAdditional inter-department partnership collaborations opportunities :\nCislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization\nHypersonics , missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization supporting Golden Dome or other related mission areas\nTime-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem (servicer) analysis\nIntegrated, m ul ti -disciplinary RPO system simulations\n\nWhat You Need to be Successful\nMinimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics position:\nBachelor’s degree in aeronautical / astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines\nEight or more years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation\nProficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments : C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/ or MATLAB\nThe ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high - quality, innovative, and specialized end products to a range of customers\nWilling to travel domestically approx. 10%\nThe ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance (TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access) is required . U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.\n\nIn addition to the a bove, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics position include :\nTwelve or more years of experience o f relevant technical work\nThe ability to lead and execute large and sustained technical efforts with vision to propose, scope, and coordinate these efforts across organizational boundaries\n\nHow You Can Stand Out\nIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:\nAdvanced degree in aeronautical / astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired\nGraduate l evel c ourse work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas : o rbit al mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation\nExperience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles ( hypersonics )\nExperience with nonlinear programming (non-linear programming), direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations\nAdvanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience\nExperience with contested space trajectory applications , military exercises , and wargaming events\nCurrent TS (SSBI), TS/SCI , and/ or TS/ SAP Access\nWe 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.\n(Min - Max)\n$129,000.00 - $249,600.00\nPay Basis: Annual\nLeadership Competencies\nOur 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:\nOperate Strategically\nLead Change\nEngage with Impact\nFoster Innovation\nDeliver Results\nWays We Reward Our Employees\nDuring your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.\nBenefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:\nComprehensive health care and wellness plans\nPaid holidays, sick time, and vacation\nStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options\n401(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\nFlexible spending accounts\nVariable pay program for exceptional contributions\nRelocation assistance\nProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your career\nEducation assistance programs\nAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect\nWe 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 work at The Aerospace Corporation.\nEqual Opportunity Commitment\nThe Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .","datePosted":"2026-08-06T09:45:06.204Z","dateModified":"2026-08-06T09:45:06.204Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aerospace","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"El Segundo","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"58dcfd5c163fd22ffee0a014"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/58dcfd5c163fd22ffee0a014"}}