Rendezvous & Proximity Operations Engineer – Computer Vision, Relative Navigation

The Aerospace Corporation

Computer vision and relative navigation engineer advancing spacecraft rendezvous systems at Aerospace Corporation. Developing algorithms, flight-dynamics tools, and AI/ML analyses for national space customers.

Posted 9/7/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $100,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in computer vision, relative navigation, and flight mechanics, with proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and MATLAB. Capable of developing algorithms and tools for space mission analysis while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Computer VisionRelative NavigationAlgorithm DevelopmentFlight MechanicsState Estimation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Computer VisionRelative NavigationAlgorithm DesignMathematical ModelingState EstimationPose EstimationImage ProcessingAstrodynamicsTrajectory SimulationPerformance Optimization

Soft Skills

Effective Communication

Tools & Technologies

CC++PythonFortranMATLAB

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government-Issued Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Space Mission AnalysisFlight DynamicsNumerical MethodsOptimization ApproachesRPO

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++PythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and integrate computer vision and relative navigation algorithms for RPO mission-level modeling
Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to CONOPS development
Explore Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and incorporate complex operational constraints into space-system design and maturation
Build new flight dynamics tools and maintain a modern internal tool base supporting customer deliverables
Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling to assess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products
Provide expertise for customer flight-mechanics needs, specializing in state/pose estimation, image processing, and automation
Travel occasionally to support customer efforts

Requirements

What you’ll need

MS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 years of professional, technical work experience
Experience in computer vision and/or relative navigation
Experience in one or more of: space mission analysis and design, state estimation, pose estimation, orbit determination, image processing, algorithm design, software development, astrodynamics, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, mathematical modeling
Proficiency with one or more of: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Willing 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
Transcripts required
PhD degree is listed as an impressive qualification, not a minimum requirement
Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP clearance is listed as a 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