Senior RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Senior RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer at Aerospace Corporation providing expertise in flight mechanics for space systems. Collaborating on technical solutions and leading multidisciplinary teams in complex missions.

Posted 5/5/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $129,000 - $193,500 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), explore Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporate complex operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems that support RPO objectives
Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to the development of operational concepts
Leverage broad technical experience and personnel network to address large and sophisticated tasks
Lead multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products
Perform and lead flight dynamics research and development to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base that supports customer deliverables
Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling to assess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces
Occasional travel to support customer efforts

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field
Eight or more years of professional, technical work experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination, state estimation, relative navigation, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling
Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB
Effective written and verbal communication skills
The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, innovative, and specialized end products to a range of customers
Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

space mission analysisastrodynamicstrajectory simulationperformance optimizationorbit determinationstate estimationrelative navigationalgorithm designsoftware developmentmathematical modeling

Soft Skills

effective communicationindependent operationproblem-solvinginnovationteam leadership

Certifications

BS degreesecurity clearance