Multi-Domain Trajectory Design Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Trajectory Design Engineer developing optimized flight mechanics solutions for Aerospace Corporation’s defense, civil, commercial, and space customers. Modeling missions across orbital, atmospheric, missile, and reentry regimes.

Posted 9/10/2026full-timeEl Segundo • Alabama, California, New Mexico, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $95,200 - $165,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, and trajectory optimization for various aerospace applications, including missiles and spacecraft. Proficient in algorithm design and software development, with a strong foundation in mathematical modeling and optimization techniques.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Mechanics ExpertiseAstrodynamics AnalysisTrajectory OptimizationAlgorithm DesignProficiency in C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Space Mission AnalysisAdvanced AstrodynamicsMathematical ModelingMulti-Objective OptimizationTrajectory SimulationPerformance OptimizationNonlinear ProgrammingGradient-Based OptimizationHeuristic OptimizationCalculus of Variations

Soft Skills

Effective Written CommunicationEffective Verbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. CitizenshipAbility to Obtain Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Hypersonic SystemsMissile DefenseReentry VehiclesCislunar Trajectory OptimizationRendezvous and Proximity Operations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide flight mechanics expertise for a wide range of customer needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests
Design and optimize trajectories for hypersonic/high-speed systems, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles
Perform missile system and missile defense engagement simulation and performance analysis
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, explore TTPs, and integrate operational constraints for space, near-space, and reentry systems
Develop new capabilities using optimal control, flight mechanics, and algorithms for stand-alone services and integration-ready submodules
Conduct algorithm and software R&D to maintain the modern internal tool base
Apply external tools such as ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG to augment internally developed capabilities
Support cislunar and exploration-class trajectory optimization and dynamical systems theory applications
Analyze time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems
Conduct reentry risk and range safety assessments
Perform 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
Collaborate with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline
At least two 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, or 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 security clearance issued by the US government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Member level: typically five or more years of relevant technical work experience
Senior Member level: demonstrated technical excellence in relevant job capabilities and functions
Senior Member level: ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations and deliver high-quality, relevant end products
Preferred/impressive: graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
Preferred/impressive: experience combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or hypersonic reentry vehicles
Preferred/impressive: experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations

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