Senior Multi-Domain Trajectory Design Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $129,000 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic systems, missile defense, and astrodynamics analysis. Proficient in algorithm development, software research, and multi-domain mission design, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Trajectory Design and OptimizationAstrodynamics AnalysisAlgorithm DevelopmentSpace Mission Analysis and DesignTechnical Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CC++PythonFortranMATLABNonlinear ProgrammingMulti-Objective OptimizationFlight MechanicsMathematical ModelingTrajectory Simulation

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTechnical MentorshipRelationship BuildingProject Leadership

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

Security ClearanceTS/SCI ClearanceSAP Access

Industry Keywords

Hypersonic SystemsMissile DefenseReentry VehiclesCislunar Trajectory OptimizationContested Space MissionsMilitary ExercisesWargaming Events

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles
Conduct missile system and missile defense engagement simulation and performance analysis
Perform multi-domain mission design for systems transiting orbital and atmospheric regimes
Determine constrained optimal control for vehicles with aerodynamic and/or propulsive forces
Evaluate contested space missions, including threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and system resiliency improvement
Develop CONOPS, explore TTPs, and integrate operational constraints for space, near-space, and reentry systems
Develop new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithm development for stand-alone services and integration-ready submodules
Conduct algorithm and software research and development to maintain the modern internal tool base
Apply external tools such as ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG where appropriate
Support cislunar and exploration-class trajectory optimization and dynamical systems theory applications
Analyze time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problems
Perform reentry risk and range safety assessments
Conduct astrodynamics analysis, including orbit propagation and maneuver design/optimization
Provide operational support for launches, spacecraft deployment/transfer, anomaly resolution, and emerging events
Design and optimize maneuvers and orbits for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations with complex constraints
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes
Support customers across defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial organizations while collaborating with engineering partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline
Typically eight or more years of experience of relevant technical work
Senior Engineering Specialist position requires twelve or more years of experience of relevant technical work
Experience in one or more of: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, or trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
Proficiency with one or more of C, C++, Python, Fortran, or MATLAB
Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously and serve as a technical point-of-contact
Demonstrated technical team leadership and mentorship skills
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 US government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Senior position requires ability to lead and execute large and sustained technical efforts across organizational boundaries
Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Experience with nonlinear programming, direct transcription methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Experience with multidisciplinary design and optimization techniques for aerospace vehicles
Project/team leadership experience managing resources, staffing, technical milestones, and deliveries
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Ability to build effective relationships with customers, contractors, FFRDC, and other personnel
Experience interfacing directly with senior government customers
Experience in spacecraft or launch operations
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance
Current SAP access

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