Astrodynamics Engineering Specialist
- Colorado Springs, CO
In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.
The United States Space Force is transforming its space enterprise with warfighting-focused initiatives to maintain U.S. space superiority in the 21st century. As an astrodynamics engineering specialist, you'll be a key member of teams that are developing innovative new missions and capabilities to ensure the U.S. can compete, deter, and win in the space domain. The qualified candidate will provide mission design and astrodynamics analytical support to government customers as they transform current missions and invent new capabilities. Emphasis will be in the areas of space domain awareness (SDA), offensive space control (OSC), defensive space control (DSC), and enhancing the resilience of other mission areas in the Space Force enterprise architecture. Customers include the U.S. Space Force, the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), and others.
Key Functions
- Conduct a range of modeling, simulation, and analysis in areas such as space mission design, orbital maneuvers, orbit estimation, space debris, and space situational awareness
- Provide technical support to AFSPC Space Warfighting Construct and Space Enterprise Vision activities, including the Core Architecture Team, and the Space Security and Defense Program
- Interact directly with Aerospace program office personnel and government customers in the Colorado Springs area and collaborate closely with Aerospace personnel in other locations
- Provide technical expertise and project leadership in the modeling and analysis of SSA, OSC and DSC systems and their broader system-of-systems architectures with a focus on space protection and defense
- Provide independent assessments and lead studies with integrated analyst teams that include government/FFRDC/SETA/contractor members
- Conduct trade studies and comparative performance assessments of system and architecture alternatives to inform customer investment decisions/recommendations
- Support the development and maturation of analysis software tools
- Mentor junior staff and customer personnel
- Occasional travel is required
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related technical disciplinewith at least ten years of engineering experience
- Significant experience in orbit mechanics/astrodynamics
- Extensive experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis
- Expertise in one or more of the following technical disciplines required: space mission analysis and design, orbital propagation and perturbations, orbit estimation, orbital maneuvers, launch vehicle and satellite operations, collision risk and debris analyses, missile defense analyses, and modeling and simulation
- Broad understanding of the national security space enterprise and space mission systems engineering
- Proven ability to effectively interact with colleagues, contractors, and senior-level government customers
- Extensive experience presenting technical briefings as well as writing technical documentation
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
- Demonstrated technical team leadership and ability to work independently
- Current SSBI with DoD Top Secret andSCI security clearance
Preferred
- Experience with satellite design and/or space system research & development
- Experience with DoD space system acquisitions
- Experience generatinggraphical visualizations of technical analysis results
- Experience with modeling the performance of electro-optical or radiofrequency sensors for SSA or remote sensing
- Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C++, Python, Matlab, SIMULINK, C, Fortran, Java
- Experience with current and planned SSA, OSC and DSC systems and architectures, with extensive background in at least one technical discipline related to SSA, OSC and/or DSC
- Experience working with one or more of the major government organizations in the mission area including but not limited to the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), Space Superiority Systems Directorate (SMC/SY), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Space Threat Assessment Cell (STAC)
- Experience working in a government program office or other direct customer support role
- Current SAP access
Grade-Based Pay Range
(Min - Mid - Max)
$98,294 - $159,916 - $221,537
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:
- A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
- Flextime and virtual work options (if applicable)
- 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, regardless of whether you contribute
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Flexible spending accounts
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion,genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email atieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law andthe supplement, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.
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