Mission Design / Navigation Engineer

Are you passionate about astrodynamics, optimization, spacecraft navigation, and modern computing? Join our team at APL and apply your technical knowledge to some of the nation's most challenging space missions. Responsibilities Lead trajectory design of Earth, Cislunar, Lunar, and interplanetary space missions for both civilian and DoD applications. Design and evaluate mission concepts using first principles and modern high‑performance computing methods. Provide intellectual leadership to emerging mission concepts and methods of analysis. Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and program managers. Contribute to cutting‑edge trajectory design and navigation methodologies through independent research and development. Build and maintain relationships across industry and academia to address critical challenges. Stay abreast of recent advances in academia and industry and apply these concepts to relevant problems. Minimum Qualifications MS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Significant coursework in astrodynamics, optimization, dynamical systems, mathematics, navigation techniques, and computer science. At least 4 years of experience in spacecraft mission design, navigation, or a rigorously technical field. Knowledge of GPS, ground‑based orbit estimation techniques, or optical navigation techniques, or willingness to acquire it. Proficiency in analytical and numerical computing (C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Python, and/or Java). Willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship. Preferred Qualifications PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. At least 10 years of experience in spacecraft mission design, navigation, or a similarly rigorous field. Experience with cloud computing, estimation theory, evolutionary algorithms, convex/stochastic optimization, or teaching related courses. Experience in agile software development involving multiple stakeholders. Familiarity with common astrodynamics software environments (Monte, STK, ODTK, Copernicus, FreeFlyer, or GMAT). Active Top Secret clearance (or above). Experience with network access to DoD‑related systems. Benefits Employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unmatched retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr