Space Systems and Orbit Determination Operations Engineer

Space Mission Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a new team member to support space mission analyses and operations. SCAD performs concept development, systems engineering, mission support, architecture analysis, algorithm development, and evaluation support for national security space customers. Mission areas include space domain awareness (SDA), positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), command and control (C2), electronic warfare (EW), and space protection and security; key technologies include Kalman filtering and orbit determination (OD) algorithms, as well as radar, electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors.

Work Model: This is a 100% on-site position located in Colorado Springs, CO, El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly VA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide support for SDA and PNT mission areas through analysis, algorithm development, systems engineering, and modeling and simulation (M&S).
• Advise and support key stakeholders and government customers by planning, executing, and reporting on analytic studies
• Conduct analyses leveraging in-house, commercial, and government-provided M&S and analysis capabilities
• Develop system specifications, conduct tests, support exercises, and evaluate training requirements for space systems
• Perform orbit determination, target tracking, and navigation analyses using Kalman filtering and other estimation techniques
• Provide astrodynamic analytical support, algorithm development, systems engineering and architecting, and modeling and simulation analysis for space surveillance systems and missions.
• Analyze EO, IR, radar, and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms
• Conduct space protection, threat susceptibility, vulnerability, and resiliency assessments
• Develop proficiency across SDA, PNT, Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2), and space control mission areas
• Independently evaluate, select, adapt, and develop techniques and approaches to solve novel problems
• Collaborate with inter-organizational teams and external customers on matters of technical importance

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related technical discipline
• Four (4) years of applicable aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics experience
• Experience in M&S, analysis, and/or algorithm development
• Software development experience and proven capabilities in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or Java.
• Experience with and knowledge of filtering algorithms and state estimation techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work independently and interact effectively with Aerospace and contractor personnel
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other related technical discipline
• 5 years of applicable aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics experience
• Experience with orbit determination and satellite tracking
• Experience with GNSS and PNT applications
• Advanced knowledge of filtering algorithms and state estimation techniques
• Background in modeling of EO and radar sensor systems, particularly the Space Surveillance Network sensors
• Experience in analysis of directed energy threat mitigation concepts for EO and Infrared IR sensors
• Familiarity with machine learning and artificial intelligence for space systems
• Experience in researching, developing, and applying advanced and innovative techniques for algorithm development for directed energy threat detection and reporting
• Current TS/SCI clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,300.00 - $150,400.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various 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 employer. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.