Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation — El Segundo, CA

As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. We are looking for an Engineering Specialist to serve as a technical expert and local point of contact for our customer organizations. The selected candidate will tackle complex optimization and mission planning challenges, requiring expertise in areas such as trajectory optimization, tree search algorithms, combinatorial optimization, orbital mechanics/astrodynamics, and decision-making under uncertainty. This role combines technical depth with strong communication abilities to influence stakeholders and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. As the department's local technical representative, you'll lead analysis efforts, mentor junior staff, and help identify new opportunities for our most challenging customer problems.

Work Model

• This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as a technical representative, building strategic relationships with program offices and delivering specialized analysis for defense, intelligence, civil and commercial organizations.
• Perform and lead complex optimization analysis for time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems using tree search algorithms and multi-objective optimization techniques.
• Design and optimize spacecraft maneuvers for orbit transfer, station keeping, disposal, and reentry events across cislunar and Earth-orbit missions.
• Evaluate contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and develop resilient Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
• Develop innovative flight dynamics tools and algorithms that expand the department's analytical capabilities and directly address emerging customer needs.
• Mentor junior staff and foster knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary teams to strengthen the department's technical expertise.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist – Flight Mechanics:

• BS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
• Eight or more years of related industry/work experience
• Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
• Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, JavaScript
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• The 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
• Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

• MS or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
• Graduate level course work, research and/or experience in the following areas: multi-objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, astrodynamics
• Experience with contested space trajectory applications
• Experience leading customer engagements, identifying new work opportunities, or serving as a technical point of contact for government programs or sponsors

(Min - Max)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment