Emerging Mission Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide flight mechanics expertise for cislunar missions, multi-objective traveling-salesman trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in flight mechanics, astrodynamics analysis, and trajectory optimization for cislunar missions and space operations. Proficient in algorithm development and software tools for advanced space mission analysis and design.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Mechanics ExpertiseAstrodynamics AnalysisTrajectory OptimizationAlgorithm DevelopmentCislunar Trajectory Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

AstrodynamicsMulti-Objective OptimizationNonlinear ProgrammingGradient-Based OptimizationParameter OptimizationGenetic AlgorithmsEvolutionary AlgorithmsHeuristic Optimization MethodsCalculus of VariationsSoftware Development

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

CC++PythonFortranMATLABASSETSNOPTCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Aerospace EngineeringPhD in Aerospace EngineeringSecurity ClearanceCurrent SSBI with Active TS/SCI ClearanceCurrent SAP Access

Industry Keywords

Cislunar MissionsFlight DynamicsSpace Mission AnalysisOrbit TransferStation KeepingDisposalReentry EventsRendezvous OperationsProximity OperationsDefense and Intelligence

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide flight mechanics expertise for cislunar missions, multi-objective traveling-salesman trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design
Support customer flight mechanics analysis, research, and development requests
Develop simplified and high-fidelity multi-body orbital mechanics solutions
Design and optimize impulsive and low-thrust trajectories
Analyze Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems
Perform astrodynamics analysis, including orbit and covariance propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, disposal, and reentry events
Develop CONOPS and TTPs and incorporate operational constraints into space and near-space system design
Use optimal control theory, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development to create customer capabilities and integrable submodules
Conduct research and development and build new flight dynamics tools and features
Use external tools such as ASSET, SNOPT, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, CasADi, and Heyoka
Collaborate on maneuver and orbit design and optimization for rendezvous and proximity operations
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, XGEO, and interplanetary environments
Collaborate with engineering partners and support defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace engineering (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year industry experience
Experience in one or more of: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, cislunar trajectory design and optimization, algorithm design, software development, multi-objective optimization
Proficiency with one or more of: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approximately 10%)
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Transcripts required
PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace engineering (standout qualification)
Five or more years of relevant technical work (standout qualification)
Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Ability to build and foster working relationships with customers, contractors, FFRDC, and other personnel
Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance (standout qualification)
Current SAP access (standout qualification)

Benefits

Comp & perks

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