RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer, Senior

The Aerospace Corporation

RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer providing flight mechanics expertise for space systems at The Aerospace Corporation. Supporting analysis and development for military and civil space missions with multidisciplinary teamwork.

Posted 5/5/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $95,200 - $165,500 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.
Perform research and development and build new flight dynamics tools 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.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.
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
Two 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
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.
Five or more years of experience of relevant technical work or PhD (for Senior Member of Technical Staff)
Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions
The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers

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-solvingcollaborationadaptability

Certifications

security clearance