Senior Flight Mechanics Engineer

Job 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. The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages its array of engineering disciplines against a broad 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. As a core component of the Mission Operations Subdivision within EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department provides flight mechanics expertise for multi-domain effects supporting our broad customer base. Our department specializes in atmospheric flight, cislunar mission design, and multi-objective spacecraft maneuver strategies. We are looking for a Senior Engineering Specialist to deepen our technical excellence and support our burgeoning customer bases, corporate priorities, and department growth areas. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics’ needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating across organizational boundaries to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers’ hardest problems. Work Model This position will be a hybrid work model based in Colorado Springs, CO with the expectation that the selected candidate works at least 4��days a week onsite, as business needs allow. What You’ll be Doing: Advise key stakeholders and government customers by performing a range of flight mechanics and mission design modeling, simulation, and analysis. Work will be in the focus areas of space control, atmospheric flight, and multi-domain effects. Orchestrate technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments. Supporting customers such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and others. Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions, supporting critical decisions in collaboration with technical leads, management, and customers. Lead and guide the development and maturation of analysis software tools, implementation of best practices, and analysis software tool modernization. Provide technical mentoring to junior staff and customer personnel. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Senior Engineering Specialist Graduate degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field 12 years of relevant professional, technical work experience Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, or trajectory optimization of spacecraft, missiles, or reentry vehicles Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to be comfortable acting as a technical point-of-contact Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C++, Python, or Fortran Effective written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated technical team leadership and mentorship skills Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities Current TS/SCI and TS/SAP access How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC) and other personnel Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers Proven success in cultivating new customer opportunities and delivering results Organizing and executing the development of new technology and research efforts Leveraging or building analysis software to combine computational techniques and department functional areas We 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. (Min - Max) $166,400.00 - $249,600.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Our 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: Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results 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 el