2026 RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. The RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight-mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests in the realm of orbital engagement and proximity operations.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

• 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 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
• Transcripts required for this position
• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 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
• Graduate level course work, research, and/or experience in the following areas: space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination, state estimation, relative navigation
• Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for spacecraft or related vehicles
• Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience
• Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
• Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP clearance

Benefits

• 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

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