Multi-Domain Trajectory Design Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Trajectory design engineer optimizing hypersonic, orbital, and missile missions for The Aerospace Corporation. Developing flight mechanics algorithms and simulations for defense, civil, and commercial space customers.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeEl Segundo • Alabama, California, New Mexico • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $100,000 - $140,000 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 spacecraft operations, utilizing advanced algorithm development and astrodynamics analysis. Proficient in software development and mathematical modeling to enhance mission performance and system resiliency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Trajectory Design and OptimizationAstrodynamics AnalysisAlgorithm DevelopmentSpace Mission AnalysisSoftware Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CC++PythonFortranMATLABNonlinear ProgrammingMulti-Objective OptimizationTrajectory SimulationPerformance OptimizationFlight Mechanics

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government-Issued Security ClearanceCurrent SSBIActive TS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

Hypersonic SystemsMissile DefenseReentry VehiclesContested Space MissionsMilitary ExercisesWargaming EventsSpace Domain Awareness

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++PythonTypeScript

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 simulations and performance analyses
Design multi-domain missions 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 and TTPs and integrate operational constraints for space, near-space, and reentry systems
Develop new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithm development
Conduct algorithm and software R&D to maintain the internal tool base
Apply external tools such as ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG
Support cislunar and exploration-class trajectory optimization and dynamical systems applications
Analyze time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems
Conduct reentry risk and range safety assessments
Perform astrodynamics analysis, 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
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft across LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes
Collaborate with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 years of relevant professional, technical work experience
Experience in one or more of: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
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 U.S. government-issued security clearance
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Member of Technical Staff alternative: Ph.D. in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
Senior Member of Technical Staff alternative: 0-1 year of relevant professional, technical work experience
Senior Member of Technical Staff: demonstrated technical excellence and ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations
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 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
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space and/or missile defense trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Experience with missile warning and tracking and/or space domain awareness systems or applications
Ability to build and foster working relationships with customers, contractors, FFRDC, and other personnel
Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers
Experience in spacecraft, launch, or missile 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
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect